Say Hello to Dougal!

It's a while since I made a a 1/12th scale Scot - say hello to Dougal - he looks the strong quiet type I think.

I did enjoy making this character although a  kilt, sporran and bagpipes are a bit of a challenge to make look convincing and more important, acceptable to those of you who know far more about the correct details than me. Anyway I think I'm happy with him and imagine he's off for a last walk in the heather before he moves to a new home.

The forecast for snow is dire...and it's Miniatura this weekend!! I'm hoping to go as a visitor but expect friends who are standholders will be watching the weather maps even more anxiously. I do hope you all have a very successful fair and that everyone manages to get there.

Celia Thomas and I, wearing our Nostalgia in Miniature hats, have been busy putting together all the kits for our next workshop on 7th April at lovely Waterperry Gardens in Oxfordshire. Underneath the Old Arbour is a pretty, yet still gently faded, nostalgic scene and we're looking forward to it very much -  seeing old friends adding to their little group of cottage gardens and meeting new ones.

 

We have already started to take bookings for the autumn workshop -  Let's All  Play in the Little Back Garden - which will be different again and very enjoyable. Learn some new skills with a friendly group in lovely surroundings and go home with a beautiful, unique garden scene in 1/12th or 1/24th scale, and be inspired to create in miniauture even more,  for yourself.  For all the details and a Downloadable Booking Form click HERE

I've a busy week coming up - haven't we all - so I thought I'd nip in now to wish all my Followers and those of you who pop in every now and again a Very Happy Easter.
   
Thank you for looking.
Robin

Exciting Collaboration!

I was really impressed to hear about the new Exhibition at The National Centre for Craft and Design at Sleaford, Lincolnshire,  which is on NOW and until 2nd June. So, if like me your interest in wonderful handcrafted work isn't limited to miniatures, and you are in the Sleaford area do go along and see this fabulous Synchronise Exhibition!

What's really special is the collaboration between artisans from quite different disciplines to produce stunning and innovative work. I know the work of Jayne Childs well - creating lace from her own designs for   JC Middlebrook -  she  makes Nottingham lace inspired textiles as jewelry, gifts and ornaments - perfect for 'today'!
 Jayne she has joined forces with the talented ceramicist Clare Gage to make decorative pieces on a scale neither has worked in before.  I think their work is fabulous!!


Clearly this isn't my field of expertise so I suggest you enjoy the photos from the exhibition, visit the websites and go along yourself if you possibly can.

AND.....If you live in the Buckinghamshire-Oxfordshire area, as I do, you'll know Waddesdon Manor.... the jewel in the National Trust crown....it's just up the road from Thame so I'm heading that way soon as Jayne's selection of Neck Lace, Lacelets and Brooches will be on sale in the prestigious and very tempting Gift shop.
  
Thank you for looking.
Robin

Let's All Play in the Little Back Garden!

We're delighted to announce that Booking is Now Open for our latest Nostalgia in Miniature Workshop
                       LET'S ALL PLAY IN THE LITTLE BACK GARDEN!

The All day workshop will be held on Sunday 1st September from 10.30 - 4.30 at the lovely Waterperry Gardens in Oxfordshire

 Do you remember when you were ever so small and all those summers just seemed so sunny, warm and endless fun?

 How wonderful would it be to try and recapture just a little bit of that childhood magic in a unique miniature scene.

In our little back garden, "Mum" has tied the old clothes line to the top of the bird table and anchored it into the ground with an old meat skewer, as far down the lawn as it would reach. An old curtain has been flung over, weighted down at the edges with whatever came to hand. It has has made such a splendid tent for the afternoon!

Mr Golly and Miss Dolly are out in the back garden with their assorted little friends from the toybox, for a picnic!! While Mr Golly runs around the lawn with his wooden truck, Miss Dolly is preparing tea for her much loved guests, with old pans from the kitchen and the remains of a toy teaset.

Why not come and join us for the day and recreate a little bit of childhood nostalgia in this unique project - have some fun making the toys and some simple landscaping, including a very old fashioned bird table and a hedge.

Come and remember along with us the fun you had when you were little.

For full details and a Downloadable Booking Form Click HERE!

Thank you for looking

Robin 

Catching Up With Things!

I took a breather last Monday - rested the aching feet - and worked through the 'to do' list......and made a start on Tuesday!

The first catch-up was to read the super feature in Dolls House and Miniature Scene on our Nostalgia In Miniature Workshops. Very exciting!! Thank you folks at DHMS - you did us proud!

....which brings me neatly on to the fact that in a day or two booking will close for our latest workshop on April 7th - Underneath The Old Arbour.  This is an all-day course at Waterperry Garden in Oxfordshire, in itself a fabulous venue, so if you were thinking about it, we have a couple of places that have unexpectedly come available so click HERE for details, and email or phone to reserve a place.

Thanks to those of you who have been in touch about items still for sale following The Thame Dolls House & Miniature Fair. Some were featured on my Blogs in the run up to the fair and all enquiries are welcome. I'm
happy to provide details if you email me.  I'm delighted that Hollow-tree has gone to someone who I know will delight in bringing the little dwelling to life, as has the little round house called St. Issey, which has gone to the West Country - very fitting!

Talskiddy and Little Pethrick - both in 1/48th scale

Little Petherick and Talskiddy are still for sale and are small and light enough to post easily, as is the quirky witchy piece, in 1/48th scale I call Circling the Magic; this would also make an interesting feature as part of a larger project.

Three tiny witches 'Circling the Magic'

And now....I'm working hard to fulfill existing orders and very much appreciate the patience of those of you still waiting. These characters will be waiting at the Post office when it opens tomorrow!

    
Thank you for looking.
Robin