Thursday, April 14, 2011

Ready Or Not

This One Is For My Sister

The Little Cottage is ready to go to it's new home! I know I have kept you all guessing about the purpose for this little house in my doll world because I didn't want to spoil the SURPRISE for the recipient of this Cottage. But first, let me show you what has been accomplished this week! To begin with, I added the shingles to the roof. I also attached it to a base made from pink builders insulating foam board. I wanted the Cottage to have a small yard and garden space too. You can see here that I have started the picket fence.... made from popsickle sticks and clothes pins!

And inside I have dressed it with a few pieces of decor that came in a Melissa and Doug Bedroom Accessories set. The pieces are a little crude, but they are Charming and add a homey touch.

Here you can see a gilded mirror on the mantle, a wooden lamp and some perfume bottles on a tray. There is still a lot that could be added..... bedding for the bed.... a quilt perhaps? And lace Curtains at the window? Another little rug? Some books? But THAT is what I shall leave for the Recipient to contribute.... or Not...... as SHE sees fit!

Here is a closer view of the tray with the little bottles........

And Downstairs I have arranged the other items in that set..... A Lovely framed picture over the Mantle..... I think it fits this room PERFECTLY! And a Standing "lamp" ..... wooden and non-working, but cute!

And some Sewing Accessories...... a basket with thread and scissors.... a little large in scale, but Cute! And a basket with fabric pieces..... everyone who sews has one of these! But the benches could use some Cushions..... and the windows some Curtains perhaps? Someone will have to add a few details to the decor....... Don't you agree?

And on the table is a Tea Set I have had for a long time...... the design is a heart with the words "I Love You" on it! (I know, it SEEMS perfect for a Honeymoon Cottage.... and Maybe it could be borrowed for that purpose...... But it is really going to someone else quite far away!)

Oh, and one of the Braided rugs I made in my teen years.... the colors are just TOO PERFECT for this room to even Dream of not sending it too!

Outside the front door I have added a very basic, unadorned attempt at paving stones made from egg cartons. If anyone is going to make them look realistic, mossy and rock-like, it will have to be the Recipient, not me!

And the Picket fence encloses the small side yard with a space for a garden...... because I am hoping the Recipient will want to make a few sculpey pumpkins and and other garden veggies and flowers to adorn it!

Here is a better view of the side yard..... I have used plain old Felt for the grass and dirt areas of the yard...... I know.... very basic, but I have never done any landscaping in miniature before..... and I AM trying to get this done quickly...... so If there are to be improvements...... Somebody ELSE will be doing them!

But, I have sent along some garden tools.......

And a little box full of seed packets........

Oh, and look who else is going along with the garden! A tiny turtle! (Not made by me, but given to me by my Sister many years ago along with a couple other tiny turtles....)

I hope she'll be happy to see him again!

And there is even a tiny Dragonfly perched on one of the fenceposts........
every garden needs Dragonflies!

Here is a closer view...... his wings are perfectly irridescent....... and so little!

So, here we have it.... Ready or Not, Dear Sister, it's on its way to you!
I only hope it gives you some Joy in your convalescence.....
and Maybe even a few stolen moments of sewing tiny pillows and curtains and quilts..........
Or making Sculpey pumpkins for the garden........


Ready Or Not, Here I Come!

12 comments:

  1. Such a sweet cottage and it's a present :o) Ypur Sister will love it, no doubt. HAve a nice day, Rosanna

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  2. i'm sure she will love it ... and will put her own stamp on it... she'd have to be thick not to notice your little nudges.. hehehe xx

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  3. A fantastic gift, Betsy! Your Sister will love it for sure! And I bet she's going to have a lot of good time adding her own touches to the cottage:)

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  4. What a lovely gift! Your sister is so Lucky and what fun she will have putting the finishing touches on the cottage. You Rock Betsy!

    Hugs
    Victoria ❤

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  5. Thanks, Rosanna! I am hoping my Sister will enjoy having it as much as I've enjoyed making it!

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  6. Thanks, Christine! Not very Subtle, huh? LOL I AM the bossy older sister after all....!

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  7. Thanks, Ewa! I am looking forward to seeing what she will add! And I imagine I will go on sending her little things.... she did that for me for SO many years! Now it's her turn!

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  8. Thanks, Victoria! I have had a lot of fun getting the kit made.... I'm really looking forward to seeing what she will add.... I might have to twist her arm to get her to send me some pics to share when she does! And I find myself thinking about starting another little Cottage kit.... Oh Dear!!!

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  9. Bets, what a wonderful gesture. It's very thoughtful, sweet and heartwarming :). I am in complete agreement with you. If your sister should start making this dollhouse her own by adding her own touches, it will be a really therapeutic exercise. :) I have always found creating with your hands healing :).

    I hope this will speed up her convalescence and more importantly keep her spirit up.

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  10. Hi Sans! I Do Hope it will lift her spirits just to look at it! Even if she never adds a thing.... which I think is doubtful..... it will have been worth it to make her smile. I agree with you that making things with your hands is therapeutic.... for me it is just an essential part of life.... and I know it is so for Mandy too. I am hoping that making small things will not tax her energy and bring great satisfaction...... :)
    Thank you for you kind wishes!

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  11. What a wonderful gift. Splendid idea, sending back little ornaments that she gave you in times past. You do rock!
    Love,
    Mom

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  12. Awww..now you made me cry a little. I hope you know how good you are, lady..*reads on*

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