Hello Dolly!

The display in the window of my local charity shop went all 'vintage' for a day or two, with some very nice old tins and even nicer old toys....very tempting. But it was Dolly,  marked 'Very Old' and missing a wooden arm (not to mention a rather stiff leg that needs a little attention), that caught my eye. I have rather a soft spot for small elderly, well loved and  dilapidated dolls, especially if they're inexpensive and likely to languish unsold....so I bought her.

The second doll is one of my own, in 1/24th scale he's long overdue and at last heading for his new home.
He looks quite cosy in his longjohns and slippers, maybe there's a nice warm dressing gown waiting for him in Wales.

The last two three weeks have been particularly busy with our recent Underneath the Old Arbour workshop and the special commission I can't show you yet......and I'm trying to catch up with orders again. However immediately prior to this, some really difficult Real Life weeks meant all miniature work came to a halt for a while and we were sad to have to cancel our Showcase at Kensington Dolls House Fair.  It was such a privilege to be invited and Charlotte was so kind and understanding when we were obliged to pull out. I see that Coombe Crafts is still listed - so we're really sorry not to be there, but of course welcome any enquiries or interest in our work and hope to make it another time.
Meanwhile if you get the chance  please DO visit - it's a fabulous fair with truly wonderful miniature artists and artisans.

What with one thing and another....I don't think I actually pictured our finished 'Arbour' protypes, so in 1/12th and 1/24th scales on our new posh pink workshop tablecloths, here they are.  
We've also done a bit of spring cleaning on our Nostalgia In Miniature website (well O.K., Celia does all the techno-stuff) so that the galleries are full of pictures from  all the different projects, details are there for the next workshop 'Let's All Play in the Back Garden' on 1st September  - booking is brisk for this one -  and first news of our winter workshop.............
.......................'Oh No It Isn't....Oh Yes It Is'.


Thank you for looking.
Robin

The Sun Shines.... and we have cows!

At last!! The sun has been shining - about time! I nipped out with the camera to capture the quirky animals lurking in Thame...around every corner it seems.  O.K. They aren't real, but such fun they make everyone smile as we wonder where they'll turn up next.

We have cows......and they move around the town - you just never know where one is going to turn up next....

....and now we have a pig!! I love where someone has chosen to place it - really a laugh out loud moment!

They're the nicest advertising gimic I've seen.

As it was such a nice day we took off for a day out in Oxford and practically the first thing we spotted was.....yep the Oxfordshire Ox near the railway station. A super proper bronze sculpture this one!! It's the
Oxford Ox by Olivia Musgrave. I LOVE Oxford!!

If you are wondering why there's no mention of miniatures it's because the commission I've been working on has yet to be delivered - I think it's pretty special - but can't talk about it yet........ 

A little mention of my spring garden with a picture of a lovely patch of Ipheon - the Spring Star.

Thanks for looking
Robin

A Cheery 18th Century Gent - and a workshop....

Having been away over Easter I'm now playing catch-up again.....but as they say on Blue Peter, here's one I made earlier.

This happy 18th Century gent in 1/12th scale has headed off across the pond to his new home in the New World and I'm sure he'll enjoy the adventure. It's always enjoyable to return to this scale with  more scope for detail in the sculpting and costuming than in smaller scales.

On Sunday, wearing our Nostalgia in Miniature hats, Celia and I held our Underneath the Old Arbour Workshop once again at the lovely, Waterperry Gardens in Oxfordshire.  It was a hugely enjoyable, and happily hardworking day and we were delighted to see how all the garden projects came to life,  reflecting the individual and unique touches of the enthusiastic participants. We look forward very much to staying in touch and seeing 'finished' photographs in due course. Many thanks to the lovely ladies who really make it such a special event.

Our next Workshop is another all-day affair and also will be held at Waterperry Gardens . We use one of the original classrooms, which as well as being light and airy and well-equipped has a lovely vintage feel that seems very appropriate for the gentle nostalgic scenes we create. I could also mention the wonderful gardens, plants and other garden goodies to buy and cakes to die for......

Let's All Play in the Little Back Garden Workshop will be held on Sunday 1st September from 10.30 to 4.30  - we'll create a unique scene recapturing those warm summery days playing in the garden with favourite toys some decades ago. Over half the places have already been booked so if you're interested and would like more details - with a Downloadable Booking form - don't delay click HERE and go to our website.

Here's hoping Spring is here at last and we can all get out in our own gardens.
Thanks for looking
Robin