How can he be Comfortable like This?

The little guy didn't quite make it to bath time tonight. He finished his dinner, climbed onto the sofa to watch telly, and literally five minutes later was passed out like this. I'm amazed that he actually chose to lie like this - Can you imagine how stiff his neck would have been on waking? I moved him after taking this pic, I promise ;-)

And because the Arthur is changing daily, I can't not add a photo of it's progress, now can I? I've glued all the exterior window frames on, and wood-filled the gaps between the arch and vertical pieces, as well as the inside edge, so that the layers of the house and siding aren't visible. I need to sand them down and give them another coat of paint, and decide on the shutters. I'm not sure I want to use the supplied shutters - they're decorative, and not an accurate fit. I might try making my own French Country charm ones, with little heart cut-outs? We'll see.

And a close up, just for fun!

I Got Mini Mail!

I got a parcel from the wonderful Mercedes this morning! Hooray! Just look, all those incredible decorating books, and cupcake books - I want those titles in 1:1 scale too! Seriously, I'm actually going to have a look for those titles, they look like they'd be full of wonderful inspiration.
She also attached one of her darling little birdhouse decorations - it is so tiny, and perfect, and I can't wait to find a spot for it in the house when it's done!
But look what the background is...some of her gorgeous gorgeous wallpaper!!! Oh, it is so pretty, it's even lovelier in real life than in photos, and already I can see how perfect it's going to be for my little house!
My step ladder is the one I made following Susanna's pattern and advice, she even sent some of the stickers for the sides.


And I've given the porch floor it's first coat of varnish - deep mahogany gloss varnish. I'm really happy with the colour, and there's nothing nicer than a shiny floor!

Thanks Mercedes, it's so much fun belonging to the world of miniatures!

The Decorator's Have Started...

I got the last sample pot of Cuprinol Antique Stone! We have a Homebase nearby, which is part of a big retail park, and on the other end of the retail park is B&Q. This comes in very handy, when one store doesn't have what you're looking for, you can just pop across to the other, and nine times out of ten you'll find what you need. Such was the case today when Homebase didn't have my colour, and B&Q, although the shelf spot for it was empty, was in fact hiding one last little pot amongst the sage green samples!

Being an outdoor paint, it goes on really nicely. It's thin, and soaks into the wood, thereby revealing the grain and texture, yet still giving a nice plastic-y waterproof feel. I made sure to apply the first coat really thinly, as I knew the siding would warp (it did) but with a few spots of glue and a hairdryer to speed up the drying, it settled back nice and flat.


I bought a water based satin enamel for the trim and woodwork, which is not very forgiving at all when it comes to blemishes and wood grain. So, after painting a first coat, I had to sand it all down again to smooth it out. Now, here's where I need your help... Do you like it with the weathered look, or, being house trim, should it all be pristine white and in need of a second coat?

Building Work Continues...

The clapboard siding is all done! Hooray! Once again huge thanks to the lovely Farrah for organising it's transport across the ocean ;-) I only used two of the four bags though, so I'll have enough left to do a garden shed and then some.

Putting the porch roof on was pretty tricky, these tab and slot houses are not 100% accurate. But, I managed to get it on straight, and any gaps will be covered with the shingles or wood filler. Next step is to attach the porch railings, then the windows and shutters, and then the fun really starts - the exterior design! I think I've chosen my colour scheme...when visiting my in-laws this weekend I decided the paint they've used for their outdoor furniture is beautiful, in texture and colour. It's by Cuprinol and is in the heritage colours range, called Natural Stone. Coupled with pure white window and door trims, a slate coloured roof and a nice shiny black door...Mmmm, I think it will look very pretty. Of course, I may still change my mind, but we'll see!

And We have a Winner!

Here are all the names, just before I folded them to put in the teacup....



And here is my little guy, drawing one little tag out the teacup....



And here he is, showing the winner's name!!

So congratulations Sarah, Miss Tilly will be spending Christmas at your house, but she'll arrive in time for Halloween ;-) I'll be in touch to confirm your address.

Thanks for playing, once I have a production line up and going I'll be making Elves to sell...watch this space!