A Lovely Day...

Last Saturday was lovely day - a super workshop with lovely participants ..... Billericay Miniatures Club have a lovely day coming up in November.....and I've had some lovely outings.......

A BIG thank you to all the ladies who attended our 'Down the Little Herb Garden Path' at Bicester Avenue Garden Centre last Saturday.  It was a very full working day but lots of fun so we hope you all enjoyed yourselves as much as Celia and I did.

I think Celia was explaining the intricacies of the old gate

  We also took along a few of our earlier projects for the ladies at their first workshop to see - nice to see them out again!

Billericay Miniature Club are  putting the finishing touches to a fascinating and very exciting project - a French Village called 'Village des Amis' - which they will be exhibiting on Saturday 8th November in the Billericay W.I. Hall from 10.30am. Do go along if you're able to.
I was delighted to be asked to create a couple of boules players for the village square which is surrounded by 15 shops - I look forward to seeing them in place in due course. It sounds fabulous!!

Not in the first flush of youth...'Pierre and Jean'

 I love Oxford and am fortunate to live quite near and visit often.  I think Oxford is a wonderful city with Town and Gown very close together - but away from the commercial bustle and dreaming spires there are some lovely walks and interesting backways.  We had a wander recently along the Oxford Canal towpath - over a bridge and into Jericho, an ancient area of streets outside the original city walls. If you're a fan of colin Dexter's novels featuring Inspector Morse this is where the televised adaptation  'Dead of Jericho' is set. I lived around the corner MANY moons ago and it hasn't changed too much.

A few weekends ago we had a lovely day in Brighton - there are so many wonderful pictures of the famous Pavillion and the Pier I won't add to them.  However the remains of the old West Pier are very striking and sculptural so I hope you'll like this.

Brighton is very creative and vibrant place - we had lunch listening to live music and looking over the waves - not bad eh?
There appeared to be an informal musical 'happening' down on the beach as well and these guys were in the top spots! They looked very precarious but seemed happy.

We had to tear ourselves away from the Museum and in particular the fantastic room dedicated to 20th century Art and Design - Macintosh and Lalique to die for......and much, much more.

...and then it was off to London this week with my chum Celia, partner in Nostalgia in Miniature Workshops ....absolutely a works outing for research purposes (we told our husbands).......to The Museum of childhood in Bethnal Green. The vast array of toys was stunning. from ancient to modern, but the vintage ones interested us the most.  It was slightly disconcerting to find that the ones I remember playing with are all vintage.....

There were so many wonderful dolls and dolls houses from all eras but I couldn't resist taking a photograph of this amazing pair of large dolls from 1920s depicting two characters from the C18th play 'A School for Scandal'.

Thank you for looking
Robin

A Busy Week Or Two...lots going on...

I rather like weeks like this when every day is different! It's been great - been to Brighton, finished a couple of Tudor peasants, did some (mini) upholstery, made some parrots and was bowled over by the latest from Dolls House and Miniature Scene.....and we still have the workshop to come on Saturday! Phew!

On Saturday Celia and I are off to our lovely venue at Bicester Avenue Garden Centre for the latest Nostalgia In Miniature Workshop - all the elements for the tiny herb gardens are packed and we're looking forward to another enjoyable day.

It was also very exciting when the Projects 2015 Magazine from Dolls House and Miniature Scene arrived in the post - not least because our joint 'Autumnal 1930s Porch' is one of the 'how to' makes included.  It's a great issue with a host of seasonal projects to tempt miniaturists of all abilities.

Also out this week is the November issue of the magazine itself with a really splendid WW1 Competition Supplement full of  terrific pictures of the entries by winners and runners up together with fascinating and often poignant stories behind the scenes.
 

I'm on a 1/24th character run at the moment....this Tudor couple are the latest and have now moved to their permanent home.  Fun to make - and nice to ring the changes around the centuries in the costuming. The next pair on the workbench are right up to date.

 
Also fun to make were a few of my scruffy parrots - I've been meaning to make some more in 1/24th scale for ages so it was a good prompt when I had a specfifc request for one.  The bodies are made from polymer clay and they are real feathers - taking a deep breath or sneezing is NOT recommended during the feathering process! Anyway I now have just a few in both 1/24th and 1/12th scales and if anyone else would like one please email me.

Thank you for looking
Robin

Back To School In 1/24th Scale

After a good deal of concentration recently on much bigger projects it's nice to get back to the rather more gentle pursuit of individual sculpts for new characters, and in this case some children.


A lovely recent commission was for a group of Victorian school children - and even the clothing is a reflection of the difference between then and now.  The costuming is really just a junior version of adult clothing - no comfy track suits or school uniforms made from easy-care materials.   Can you imagine having to go to school in heavy serge trousers, stockings and boots or a long pinafore over an even longer full and heavy skirt??

Here come the girls....

The emphasis in school seems to have been on the three Rs with some kind of physical education and practical subjects such as woodwork for the boys and cookery for the girls,  designed to equip them for adult life. An abacus helped with arithmetic (I reckon I could do with one of those) and slate and chalk or a dipping pen and ink for writing, while a globe helped with an understanding of geography. Learning was by rote and a cane was used for misdemeanors.....it doesn't sound like a very cheery atmosphere in the classroom!

....and the boys.

In other miniature news Felcity and Ron are completing the line-up of spendid artisans for The Thame Dollshouse and Miniature Fair in February 2015.  There are details and super pictures of artisans' work on the website already and their Blog is updating regularly with more news as it comes in.  We all love this very special fair so do take a look and maybe think about coming....if you've been before I'm pretty sure you'll be coming again!

I do love pottery, and a jaunt around Oxford's open air Antique and Collectible Market a couple of weeks ago saw me come home with this gorgeous platter which I understand is by Anna Crockett (1980s). I love the earthy colours and wonderful  depiction of our countryside which I think she's captured perfectly.

Thank you for looking
Robin

A Great Big Cardboard Box!

This week it was a matter of urgency to find a a big strong cardboard box.....I considered the 'Egg Man' in the market as a possible supplier.....acquired a banana box from Sainsbury's (not deep enough)....and begged another large deep box just before it went into salvage from our local Art and Craft  Shop. Phew!! Just in time.

Yards of parcel tape later, a big strong box was all ready when Lucie Roper, Editor of Dolls House and Miniature Scene arrived from Lincolnshire to collect the World War 1 Scene jointly created with my friend Celia Thomas for a three part 'how to make' for the magazine. We are delighted that it will be on the

Dolls House and Miniature Scene stand at Miniatura and hope many of you who have been following its creation, or perhaps working on your own interpretation, will find time to take a look.  Sadly neither Celia nor I are able to attend the show this time but the winners of the WW1 competion in the magazine will also be on display, and from what I hear they are truly outstanding - I'm sure it will be a great weekend.

AS you may know the original scene is now for sale, including the elderly gent standing in the poppy field proudly wearing the blazer of The Royal British Legion.  50% of the sale will be donated to this very important organization to support their work - offers in the region of £250 are welcomed and the team on the Dolls House and Miniature Scene have kindly agreed to handle any sale on the day.

We Will Remember Them.......

It was a BIG cardboard box...so Lucie left with another smaller project as well which will also be on show on the day!
We've been very secretive about our latest work so far, but can now reveal The 1930s Porch in an autumn setting - another 'how to make' that we have created once again in our Nostalgia in Miniature style which will be featured in the super Projects 2015 Magazine that will be published at the end of the month - I'm sure there will be some copies available on the stand.
So - there's lots to see and I know Lucie and her team would love to meet some of you.

We enjoyed making this project so much  and maybe the following pictures will whet your appetite and you'll be tempted create your own little porch where the lead is on the bench ready to take the dog for a walk and the geraniums and bulbs are being potted up before the frosts come.

........and if you nip over to Celia's KT Miniature's blog you can see more pictures!

With very best wishes to all standholders and visitors - Enjoy Miniatura!

Thank you for looking
 Robin

This and That...and a Bit in Miniature

Sometimes the summer weeks just seem to run away so fast! One of my own very special 'little people' has been with us for a lovely week or so -  consequently our miniatures have been rather geared in that direction as you'll see.

It's such a pleasure to be able to enjoy some creative 'work' with a youngster and I know many of you in our super miniature world encourage the next generation to enjoy exploring their own imagination and creativity.

So...we made a miniature village - cheapo 'kit' from Tesco and lots of mini cereal boxes, once the contents had been eaten.  We painted a couple of dinosaurs....they go so well with the village don't you think?

And we made a 'Seaside Scene' - with (no) apologies to my chum Celia Thomas who created a rather larger and grander version with me for Dolls House and Miniature Scene magazine last year!!

Meanwhile back in the 'proper' miniature scene.... Dolls House and Miniature Scene have published the third and final part of the WW1 scene created for them by Celia and me in the October issue.

 We are also delighted that the scene itself will be on display on the magazine's stand at Miniatura later in the month.  I hope some of you will get to see it for 'real'.  We've been very touched by the many kind comments we've received and the scene is now for sale with  a proportion of the proceeds going to support the important work of the Royal British Legion.  If any individual or organisation is interested in its purchase, offers in the region of £250 are welcomed and full details are on our Nostalgia in Miniature website.

And finally - a little gardening.  Herewith the tomato 'farm'!!

Along this narrow pathway at the side of the house my other half  has (again) grown loads of  (too many) tomatoes! We have red ones (traditional and tasty), black ones (that are taking forever to ripen), striped ones (super) and huge Pink Brandy Wine ones (the taste jury is out on this one)......

The weather being 'variable' has meant 'variable' success....... still...what fun!

Thank you for looking
Robin

Lady Georgiana....Apple Pips..... A Tiny Treasure....

Although I enjoy all my dollmaking - from sculpting a characterful face to choosing fabrics and creating the costuming -  every now and again a special challenge is offered to me. Lady Georgiana has been one of those lovely challenges!

She has now arrived at her new home, and this rather grand lady 'of a certain age' has taken her place in the music salon with her equally grand companions, where they are no doubt eyeing the fashion statement each is making!

The Georgian era offers such a wealth of styles to choose from and ladies fashions were increasingly influenced by France. She has chosen the Saque back style in a fine cotton floral print, trimmed with ribbons and lace, ensuring that while her obvious assets are very much on show, even though she's not young, the decorum of the day dictated that her elbows must be covered!

I so loved making her hat - it's a rare chance to be able to go over the top with feathers and ribbons and her hairstyle was a particular challenge.  Although I'd seen the hedgehog hairstyle in famous portraits it took some digging to discover how it was actually created at the time, so it was fun to follow the instructions to the letter - in miniature!

So Blog friends.....what do you know about antique/vintage dolls house furniture made from apple pips???
A friend has inherited this wonderful unusual furniture made from apple pips and would love to know more about it if any of you can help us here.

We know that apple pips and other seeds have been used in small items of jewelry and I have a small purse and coaster/mat that are pretty old. Despite best efforts, we can't find anything quite like this so if anyone can tell me more, I'd love to hear from you.

I'm beside myself with joy that my incredibly talented friend Deb Jackson has made me an exquisite 'Triang Inspired' teeny weeny vintage dolls house.
The work is quite breathtakingly detailed so I hope the pictures give you some idea of just how tiny and beautiful it is. And - hold your breath - lift a microscopic hook and eye catch and it opens to reveal fully decorated rooms. A future heirloom!

Deb's work is highly sought after and the little houses don't come along too often - go to her website and enjoy her varied miniature treasures. www.debjacksondesigns.com/

Thank you for looking
Robin

Scenes From The Herb Garden....And Frogs...

I am itching to show you a picture of my latest 1/12th lady - but until she's arrived in her new home, it's only fair for her new custodian to see her first. SO - I thought some snapshots of the herb garden and a frog or two, might be interesting.


Further to my last blog in which I mentioned that our next Nostalgia in Miniature Workshop - 'Down the Little Old Herb Garden Path' is on 27th September at Bicester Avenue Garden Centre  (a really easy venue to get to just off Junction 9 of M40) - I've a few more pictures to tempt anyone wondering whether to have a creative day out....

I think you'd agee - this is 'traditional' - and just a touch nostalgic.

If you love gardens and plants and would like the opportunity to create some lovely herb plants in a nostalgic setting,  using a variety of materials and very different techniques in a friendly atmosphere, just take a look.

Lungworts - or  'Jerusalem Cowslips'

A lovely rustic gate with a rusty old bolt catch.

A Victorian rope tile edging to the weathered path and herbs spilling over

And for full details click here for our website with a Booking Form - and details of a Group Discount if you are a small party of friends who fancy a day our with a little retail therapy thrown in. Booking will close in a week or two so do get in touch soon as there are only a few places left.

Now for the frogs!! I am having to accomodate a spare frig' in my conservatory (long and boring story... don't ask...) so in an effort to try and ignore it I thought at least I could make the top interesting!

I am rather partial to ceramic frogs and such and also lumps of interesting wood/tree root/fungi....seemed an idea to bring them all together.

This is my Cumbrian toad on a big hunk of tree fungus

Definitely an exotic I think

What do you think?

Thank you for looking
Robin

Fiction and Song Inspire Two New Characters

Recently I was commissioned to make two very special ladies in 1/24th scale! One is a fictional lady from books and the other inspired, and is remembered, in a well-known song. 
Meet 'Miss Clare' and Molly Malone...............I loved creating both.

Dora Saint wrote a whole series of evocative books about a fictional rural village, its school, community and general 'goings on'.  'Miss Clare' is the much loved retired school teacher - who when I was making her -  brought back memories of Miss Tibbetts my first teacher. She looked very much like this - and gave us all a love of reading, starting with the Beacon Readers and Old Lob's Farm!

'Miss Clare' now belongs to Shirley Edgar who was a pioneer of the 1/24th scale in this country, so I know she has a lovely home.  In fact Shirley has been kind enough to share her photographs of  'Miss Clare' welcoming us to her beautiful cottage and giving us a wave from the garden bench.  Many thanks Shirley.

Molly Malone probably needs no introduction as she's the tragic Dublin girl in the song which is also known as 'Cockles and Mussels'.  I wasn't sure until I Googled whether she was 'real' or not - she is and there's a wonderful statue commemorating her in the city.

Celia and I are enjoying working on the prototype finishing touches for 'DOWN THE LITTLE OLD HERB GARDEN PATH WORKSHOP' which is on 27th September at Bicester Avenue Garden Centre - Just Off Junction 9 of M40. As usual my workspace is a muddle.....

But there are muddles..... and then there are productive muddles....

If you'd like to come along and enjoy a really friendly, fun and productive miniature day creating your own unique little herb garden just go to our NOSTALGIA IN MINIATURE WORKSHOPS website for all the details and pictures of past workshops - STILL A FEW PLACES.

Celia  (who is KT Miniatures when wearing her other hat) and I have worked on many projects together over the years and the WW1 project for Dolls House and Miniature Scene Magazine is  our latest 'in print' - so the workshops are a natural combining of our complementary but different skills and talents which we're happy to share with others who want to create something entirely original at their own pace.

Thank you for looking
Robin

Everything Changes....and Moves On

'Nothing stays the same...'. We hear this all the time and of course it's true. This year we've been reminded of a number of important commemorations - WW1 and D-Day for instance - but there are lots smaller local markers of time moving on.

Out and about last week I took this photo of a beautiful windmill that's being restored.  I've been waiting for ages until the sails were on and I could get a picture of it with the towers of Didcot Power Station in the background.  The first tower is to be demolished soon and it's always been part of my local landscape  - just seems like an interesting juxtaposition.

It's not really on a hill - I was perching precariously on a grass verge

This telephone box (and the post box) in a place I know very well, do kind of flag up the fact that everyone now has a telephone....and all the visitors to the pretty village feeding the ducks on the pond, have a mobile phone in their pocket.

Out of the shed, where it's been languishing for a few years, came this old typesetting tray.  Back in the dark ages when I first started work in publishing I took a Pre-tech Printing Course and learnt the rudiments of typesetting by hand - absolutely fascinating - so I love these trays.  Actually lino-type (told you it was the dark ages*) was still in use and filmsetting was the NEW thing! A new fangled computer filled a vast room!

Anyway this will be used to display miniatures when I've cleaned it up...which won't be a quick job.

Thank you for looking.
Robin
P.S * mid 1960s

Little People Full of Character

More tiny 1/48th scale people have reached their new homes so I can now show you my pictures of the last ones.
As it's Wimbledon and I really love watching the tennis on T.V., I had a cunning plan to work on my miniatures while watching.......not all cunning plans are successful....


You might guess that 'working' while watching hasn't worked so I've rushed about like a demented hen before lunchtime when play begins trying to get miniatures, shopping, gardening etc. done so that I can catch some of the matches.

It's a good job Wimbledon wasn't on when I was trying to create these tiny characters......

The weather has been lovely so it's been a joy to get out into the garden really early in the mornings for some essential cutting back and weeding - mostly dragging out yards and yards of cleavers and bindweed - and I cut a huge bunch of flowers and leaves to bring indoors this morning. As you know by now I can't resist squeezing a few plants into my blog.......

I was given a super present of this wooden hanger for terracotta pots earlier in the year.  It's a really simple design, so effective and stunning now the pots are brimful of lobelia and violas and looks fantastic hung up on our old shed.

Just a few weeks ago I bought a couple of Spider Lily (Hymenocallis) bulbs half price at a Garden Centre and shoved them into a pot more in hope than expectation.  I've tried, mostly unsuccessfully, to grow these before so imagine my surprise and delight when one burst into flower a day or two ago. It looks amazing next to the Bergamot, also in a pot, waiting for the 'right' spot in the garden to emerge from the undergrowth.

Thank you for looking.
Robin