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!