Leftcoastmini

More Grand Palais and the use of the Diorama

2012-01-28T05:09:00.000-08:00

Living in Oakland, California as I do, one is often quoted Gertrude Stein's famous line about the city of her childhood. "There is no there there". She said this upon returning to find her childhood home torn down. The rose bushes she loved were gone. She was NOT reflecting on the soul of the city of Oakland!

Now you can buy a decorative flag with the word "THERE" on it to display on your front porch as it has become such a part of Oakland lore.

Henri Matisse 1905, Woman with a Hat

The current exhibit of the Stein Collection at the Grand Palais, Paris

shows the stunning oeuvre of this famous collector and her brothers, Leo and Michael.

SF Moma inherited her brother Michael's collection which he brought back with him when he returned to live in Palo Alto, California. There as students Richard Diebenkorn (my favorite painter) and Robert Motherwell were exposed to the collection.

This exhibit started in San Francisco, came to Paris and is now headed to New York.

BUT the thing that interests me about the exhibit is that they use a life size diaorama to show the study of the Stein family.

The famous salon of Gertrude Stein in Paris.

Diaoramas are usually the provenance of the Natural History museums and often, um... looked down upon.

This exhibit has received some attention in it's use of a diorama to reinact the original setting of the Stein library. Interesting, no? But really it is more about the collectors than the artists themselves.

For more information on this unique person see:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gertrude_Stein

And just to add to the interest of what a complex person Gertrude Stein was read http://www.truth-out.org/gertrude-steins-missing-vichy-years/1317135716 which sheds light on how this Jewish woman survived in WWII France.

Too amazing.

One funny note. While being criticized, the picture, The Girl with the Green Eyes, by Matisse

Was lambasted as a crazy absinthe drinker...

Which reminds me of a favorite local restaurant my guests and I loved. Le Fee Verte in the 11e.

Really I just had white wine... but my eyes do look weird from the flash. Travelling with Shale was incredible. She made sure to see all the Heres here!

Thinking of my friend and fellow blogger Shale who is beginning chemo next Friday. Glad you are in the good hands of your daughter and foxy boyfriend! Can I bring you some absinthe? It is illegal in the US, do they allow it in Canada? You know Shale... I may have finally had enough white wine to last me.

I am eager to return to Oakland because frankly my There IS there. You know who you are.

From Paris CM

Grand Palais

2012-01-05T08:56:00.000-08:00

Look what we found at the exhibit! A video where the artist placed himself in a dollhouse. Which doll house would you choose?

all pictures by Susan Hale

"Un Sorin des Jouets" I want to live in a Doll House" by Pierrick Sorin

. http://www.desjouets-unsorin-grandpalais.fr/

BUT! It is what I call my "I HOUSE". Notice the staircases?

Done in 2011.

This was in the exhibit we went and saw, Des Jouets Et Des Hommes at the Grand Palais. OMG! The Kaleidoscope was there, the Lundby Stockholm was there and antique dollhouses to die for.

Barbie, pregnant and not and as a foosball table was present! Batman, Woody from Toy Story and so many more blogs worth of stories were there BUT pictures were not allowed, until the gift shop which was adorable, well designed with small Eames elephant stools and a playland of castles, tea sets and drawing stations... OH MY!

There were several other art video pieces, one allowed you to substitute your own face in a boy or girl doll. It was a big hit with the little ones. One allowed you to control the pace of the artist on a rocking horse. Very funny to the kids.

The exhibit catalog is in French. But the pictures are in universal view. So we will show you the best parts, more to follow. I would say it was as if they made this exhibit for Susan and me and you. xo CM

En Plein Air

2012-01-02T09:02:00.000-08:00

pictures by Susan Hale

For more of this mini art go to http://Susanshouses.blogspot.com/

Paris en plein air. xoxo CM

By Toys for "Men" they mean "People", we are in France

2011-12-29T10:02:00.000-08:00

There are dollhouses! Shale and I will be there next week after school reumes in Paris. xo CM

Does anyone know what Midwestern Museum this house is from?

2011-11-20T07:33:00.000-08:00

Called the California House, this mini house is in a Midwestern state. Does anyone know the name of the Museum it is in? (back to the internet...) Happy Sunday, CM

Another reason we are glad we are not celebrities...

2011-11-09T18:06:00.000-08:00

How did I get on this kick? Bad dolls. Check out Pippa...

Really? EEK!

Kate? Not quite.

Click here for more:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2059007/Kate-Middleton-dolls-sport-tacky-royal-weddinreplica-dresses.html?ito=feeds-newsxmlhttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2059007/Kate-Middleton-dolls-sport-tacky-royal-wedding-replica-dresses.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Or $200.00 for this from Hamley's.

Plus Size Barbie

2011-10-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

from today's Huffington Post

Here is a Polish Doll Called "Ken's Aunt"...

She is one of the few plus size Barbie dolls on the market offered to girls AND we have met Francie from Oese, the doll made from the John Travolta character in the movie "Hairspray". I would call her plus size. Do you know of any other Plus Size Fashion dolls (now there an oxymoron...)? You Have to love that doll's serious underware... what kind of message does THAT send.

To read this discussion go here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/26/plus-size-barbies_n_1033106.html#s435650&title=Ciotka_Kena_Barbie

Ok my favorite comment about the article is from Judgement of Paris who says, Maybe they ought to make a doll called "Carbie" :0 CM

Earthquake in Berkeley Yesterday

2011-10-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

So we had a 4.0 earthquake on the Hayward fault yesterday. Basically right under my daughter's house.

The stairs fell over in the I house. Johnathan Adler lamps fell everywhere! Look how far the kitchen table jumped. I haven't even found the market umbrella stand yet. It must have fallen behind the chair...

My PDR shelving was knocked over but it is fine. Well constructed. I'm telling you it was quite a jolt! I am a California girl and I went outside for 20 minutes afterwards.

And while there was no damage in the 1/1 house, thank heavens, no windows cracked. All the pictures and mirrors were crooked, plates hung up as wall design fell, and the doors opened up on the china and glass cabinets and desks.

I did see the windows bow, my secretary opened and things spilled out. Notice the large phantom chair caught on the edge of the glass shelf.

When this happens the local news comes on and people call in and say "a jar of jam dropped off my table". I resisted the urge to call in local channel 4 and say, "My mini house was devastated!" Then at 8PM right after my daughter reassured my Granddaughter , my Little assistant, it wouldn't happen again we had an after shock. She slept with her parents last night. Nobody got much sleep...The schools are very prepared in California. Each child takes a bag with snacks, extra clothing and a pictue of their family and pet and keeps it at school for emergencies. In all the excitement I forgot to look into the I house until this morning! A little edgy today and guess I'm retrofitting . CM

Do you know the way to San Jose....

2011-10-17T06:50:00.000-07:00

That song kept running through my head as I sailed 25 minutes down the freeway. In traffic it would take over an hour and a half.

photo from Megan Hornbecker's cell phone

I drove by ebay headquarters through the industrial park to the hotel. I waved, "Hi it's me..."
The Doubletree hotel was very nice. The quality of the miniatures was very high. There were 100 vendors or so. Not too many. Medium well attended on Sunday. (OK just published this before all my pics are up, so will be adding more throughout the day!)
So happy to meet Peter and Jeremy Tucker in person!

photos by MiniDork

Love this Eames bench! The one in my hand (above) is made in natural wood color.

PDR shelf

Saw Paris and Lisa Renfroe. There is always lots of buzz around their booth.The funny thing is many of their customers are the other vendors. I picked up my zig zag wall unit. Wow! Paris suggested mounting it on lucite so I can have more options with the background! I love it.

photo by Minidork

Doris found this great vendor of small hand sewn items and bought a beautiful quilt made of asian silks. It will make a gorgeous wall hanging.

One of my new favorites is XYZZX Creations. William and Joan Beiriger who show "ethnic and Nature arts in miniature"

photo by Minidork

He has an African sculpture by William Asango from Kenya that is similar in shape to a Giacometti that I am wild about. I had already shot my wad by the time I saw it. their website is:
xyzzx@xyzzx.com

photo from website of xyzzx creations

Erik Goddard at: erikgoddard.com made beautiful lit roomboxes and oriental lanterns that glowed.

Also got to hang out with Mini Dork who is a blast! Must plan better for next year! (need a bigger budget) Thanks for the wine and Pita Chip treats, Minidork! CM

Tomorrow is the Miniature Conflagration in San Jose

2011-10-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

See you there! Saturday or Sunday? Hmmm.

For Lemon Cadet. My kids bought this little computer sometime around 1987? Some how the screen got lost. I will have to print the original Apple Screensaver.

from Wikipedia

This is a picture of the first Apple computer.

Thank you for everything Steve Jobs.

Update: today this item is available on ebay US
item #170646801360 for $9.99 and there are 10 available. Do you think these are still being made?
This offer ends in 8 days.

Dylan Doll House: Livingroom

2011-10-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

EXHIBIT A

So I REALLY love the gold curved ceiling.

But I will admit it is hard not being able to put your whole hand into the room.

Credits: back to front Amazing miniatures shelf Bozart vase, DDR German vintage floor lamp, Crailsheimer couch and chairs. Tootsietoy table Mightyworld glassware, rement plate, vintage Navajo souvenir rug, pinchofpepper Bouloum chair.

Well, frankly this couch has such an ugly maroon color. It clashes with the red items I want to incorporate. Paint it? Gray? C?
Well I have accepted the fact that the Boulom chair will live in the MH1.

Rearranging the Crailsheimer couch.

The world famous Amazing Miniatures shelf...

Exhibit B

The large Reac Pieces fit in the livingroom, the smaller ones in the upstairs.

The reason I am posting each day is I want to get back to the I house on Myrealitty blog.

Hope you enjoy, thanks for the comments.

OMG Does this ever happen to you? I looked ALL OVER for the 4th outdoor chair. Really. Then I found it right at my foot! I know they move. You cannot tell me sometimes they do not hide! Sneaky little minis! CM

The Dylan Dollhouse

2011-10-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

Mise en scene.

So I went through all my stuff and here is what fit: post card screen, minimodernista rug, barrell chair, and pillows. Bozart kid's bed, DDR coffee table for tv, Dol Toi vanity with mirror, rubber kids wood blocks, Andy Allan chair...

Rement plate on wall.

Big lamp is a Bozart vase for the base with a calking tube lid for the shade.Working on the Dylan House. I went to my house and pilfered all my stuff to immediately begin playing with this house.
I found I had to use tweezers and sticks to move things around because the rooms are small. I also will need to light it as they are dark.
I like how there are no doors to get in the way.
I put other photos up on flickr but am only happy with this room so far. I LOVE the gray and gold and white palate. CM

Update: I decided to spray paint the Mightyworld umbrella (I saw Mini Dork do this ) (Thanks Mini dork)

The Dylan is done!!!! In less than an hour!

2011-10-09T14:25:00.000-07:00

OK, so my Large Assistant made the missing dowell out of a pencil. He cut off a piece (took 2 cuts) Is this where the designer starts tearing out his hair saying, "Why do I let these people touch my designs!" ?

The last screw goes in.

Ta Dah!

OK it is finished! I !LOVE it! Done in less than an hour of total work. The hardest part, according to my Large Assistant, was getting up off the floor again... :) CM

The Dylan: Mid way!

2011-10-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

So of course I cannot wait to play!I am exploring the scale starting clockwise with the red Bouloum chair by pinchofpepper, aqua Dol Toi chair and couch 3/4 scale, Marx bed set too small. Gold Dol Toi couch and chair, the right size but not sleek enough. Orange minimoderenista pharmacy lamp, a little too big maybe? Orange chairs, '60's made in Japan which I repainted and fit just right!
Paris Renfroe kitchen, good size but extends above the ceiling height. Will need to special order. Behind the house, larger than 1/6 scale Ghost chair, White Barbie 1/6 chair, and Mattel wooden 1950's from the I House, both too big.

CM :)

It came! That was Quick! Part 1 of assembling the Dylan.

2011-10-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

My little assistant and I got the package from my house first thing this morning!Apparently she is traveling incognito in her shades.

Here it is! It is so pretty!

Under Tools you'll need notice the directions say: "screws...,
Phillips Screwdriver, and the ability to remain calm!" Showing the assembler in a Lotus position. Too funny.

My approach was to put on Football. Go Raiders.My Larger Assistant has had experience putting together numerous Barbie Houses over the years.

The little assistant complained there was nothing to do so she was assigned unwrapping. She said, "it is best if you slip it side to side" then she popped the plastic bubbles until the other workers began to complain.

My large assistant put the gray frame upside down so we had to disassemble it and start over.
Then he felt the gold floor was not fitting and we finally realized we are missing one large dowell Part#3. So far we have not located it. Probably my work force's fault rather than the supplier. It sure looks pretty though! CM

How can I resist Dylan?

2011-10-06T20:14:00.000-07:00

from the book Tom Kundig Houses 2 by Princeton Architectural Press.

This 1/1 house is by Tom Kundig and Associates. It is featured on today's "Daily Dose of Architecture" web site. You can get there by going to my mini house collection blog http://myrealitty.blogspot.com/ where you will find it listed in the blog roll.

This is the Dylan House by Brinca dada. I ordered it and CANNOT wait till it arrives. I believe it is 3/4 scale or 1/16 scale? Usually I stick with 1/12 scale but, Hey? "He who is not busy being born is busy dying" Bob Dylan. "Bob, do you still feel that way now that you are over 60?

The furniture for the Emerson is listed as back ordered. I wonder if it will fit the Dylan? The furniture for this house isn't available yet. I have questions about this in to Brinca dada and will let you know what they say. Really... this is my LAST minihouse. Really. I mean that! CM

Which mini designer's work room is this?

2011-09-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

Looks very clean to me! go to http://Myrealitty.blogspot.com/ for the final chapter of my interview with Wes Christensen. Not his final chapter, he is always up to new things. C

Modern Dollhouse: MH1 Bedroom, Roof, etc.

2011-09-24T17:36:00.000-07:00

This is the facade of a ruined Triang house. I sprayed it stainless steel and it really showcases the moderness of the Triang design.

Triang facade before

Facade after.

Playing around with the MH1

It allowed me to add a family room with flatscreen tv, Delph miniatures, Paris Renfroe Nuguchi table, minimodernistas chairs, table, confetti couch, lamp. Silpat rug.

More interior, Reac Barcelona chair, minimodernista couch, room divider, mustard colored ceiling lamps and lucite table, vintage Navajo souvenir rug. Vintage German roombox linno. Paris Renfroe kitchen in background.

Great party house!

Cheers! This was the house warming.

Everyone who was anyone attended...

Roof Lawn, Bozart chairs in foreground, melted Fly swatters on tea lights sprayed silver for metal chairs in background.

Great for holiday parties...Sorry for the indignities Wes...

Bedroom: Strombecker vintage deco sidetable and small wooden lamp from the 1950's, Gerlach metal vase, real Chinese Maple leaf, minimodernista bed, bedding, pillows and ceiling lights. Silpat curtain.

Mighty World umbrella and chair set on roof.
So I guess you can say I REALLY like to play with this house... CM

MH1 Kitchen, office and family rooms

2011-09-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

The room under the stairs makes a good home office.

Venice poster and map by Amatheria, Reac desk chair rement office supplies, pinchofpepper tension lamp, Delph miniature power bar, minimodernista rug.

Sometimes I use the support as a patio. Barrel chairs and table minmodernista.

Dishes, Mighty World playset, cushions, minimodernista. Drawing by my little assistant.

Fork and spoon drawer pulls. Starbucks cup rement gift of mini2B

Peter Renfroe stainless steel kitchen

Plywood chair by Peter Tucker (see my bio of him here http://leftcoastmini.blogspot.com/2011/06/design-profile-peter-tucker.html )

Silpat rug, vintage German linno from a roombox kitchen. I made the book shelf. Flat screen tv Delph miniatures.

Did I mention how much fun this house is to play with? I think one reason is how good the minimodernista, Doris Nathansen furniture and Paris Renfroe designs look in it. I am wanting that snake shelf of his... Cheers CM

Do you have a favorite Dollhouse? The MH1 Livingroom.

2011-09-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

DDR German table, Reac chair, couch and chair made by me, Bozart lamps. child's blocks side table.

I was looking through my pictures of the MH1 and am amazed how many there are! It is so condusive to scene making. The space is the perfect backdrop and everythig is easy to place. No pushing things in place by sticks! No need for peek a boo shots. So I decided to show some of the past pictures.

German DDR vintage furniture, Imagination House art, Bozart urns, Reac chair, minimodernistas pillows, strombecker floor lamp, Tomy rubber tree. Note pad rug.

Art by Oese, of http://Raumfurraum.blogspot.com/ Minimodernistas couch, Strombecker sideboard, mouse pad rug.

picture by Mini Dork

Here are the dramatic lamps made by Mini dork of http://Moderminihouses.blogspot.com/ ,flocked Deco chair by Strombecker, urn Bozart.

Tinytoy mirror, minimodernistas hanging lamp. African mask and Buddah by Texas Tiny, basket napkin ring.(remember that phase!) Strombecker flocked couch, Rement shoes, makeup bottle cap gold stand. minimodernista plexi table and pillows.

Here I covered the back window with art paper. It's funny but I am NOT a big fan of papered walls. It is probably because I grew up in the '60 and '70s in L.A. I once had a friend who had one room in her parent's house with wall paper that said "Mushroom" written over and over. Very op art. They called it, wait for it... The Mush Room.

Then later Laura Ashley mesmerized everyone and people were even wallpapering their light switches. I just like a gallery look, I guess.

Bozart sculpture, Reac Eames lounger, Rement suitcase, Caco doll, nightlight cover, for fireplace screen. Jo Searle painting of bird, Candelabra by Linda Davy, from The Shopping Sherpa's exhibit in Canberra "the Call of the Small".

Ever feel you are being watched??? Oh! Peek a Boo!

I move the front steps around alot. :) C

P.S. YAY MOVIE DOGS I SOMEHOW FOUND YOUR COMMENT, ARE YOU ON FLICKR? THANKS :) C

Using the MH1 of Designer and Architect Wes Christensen.

2011-09-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

Photo of livingroom of his MH1
see my article about him at http://Myrealitty.blogspot.com/

Credits: Vintage German chair, minimodernistas couch, plexi coffee table, rug, Reac, Japan Barcelona chair. Rement shoe, champagne, glasses, and purse. Stripe lamps and black urns Bozart, Texas Tiny carved African mask, Tomy rubber plant, Keith Haring artwork miniaturized.

Diatom Chair

2011-08-31T11:32:00.000-07:00

Look what came in the mail while the Elder Assistant was getting herself married. I am intimidated by the instructions.

The other modern chairs want to play (Bouloum chair by pinchofpepper, phantom chair, wedding favor)

Is there a Bay Area self help group for putting these chairs together, will provide alcohol... C

Honeymoon inspiration from Sans

2011-08-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

Photo by Sans from her recent trip to Bali. see more at http://myrealitty.blogspot.com/ and all her pictures at http://sansdollhousediaries.blogspot.com/2011_07_01_archive.html

Where are My Assistant and her Husband going for their Honeymoon? Tha Bahamas of course. Irene will have moved on by then. Thank you to all my dear guest bloggers who made the month of August a joy! CM

Daphne saves the day...

2011-08-21T21:59:00.000-07:00

The Elder Assistant and the Younger Assistant of my blog have a life outside My realitty. Congrats on their Reality!

Thanks Daphne for helping me on this big day!Especially with this chic outfit.

You were BIG helping keep the Bride calm on the way to the
church.

Pewf! We were almost late!

"Daphne", said Colette "did you bring any Kleenex?" Of course she did.

Yay! On to the reception!

Colette and Daphne arrive at the Shaw House in D.C.

2011-08-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

to visit Colette's D.C relatives the Shaws. To Colette who lives in the MH1 their Dutch Gambrel house seems rather formal.

Oh dear, they have lovely Tynietoy knife boxes, but no dining room table. Nice chairs though and Chandelier.

Tynietoy Grandfather clock in the front hall.

The Library. Tynietoy marble fireplace contemporary map in the style of Tynietoy, bookcase, and oh my two drink sets. Hmmm.

Tynietoy pencilpost bed with original mattress, dresser and brick fireplace. Someone needs to hang pictures.

Breakfast room with Lynnfield set.

Sweet little Baby who lives there, seems to need a nursery set. Tynietoy small chair. In fact the upstairs needs finishing. Well
Colette and Daphne enjoyed their stay even though the Shaw's were rather stiff. It is the Happy Shaw house!

Please join this new blog

2011-08-15T17:19:00.000-07:00

http://Familyfromscratch.blogspot.com/ It is a blog about surviving growing, watching and enjoying being a family at this point in time. It will cover travel, decor, design, parenting, grandparenting and much more. The authors are A Working Mother, A Newly Wed, and A Single Woman of A Certaine Age, as the French say. Please join us for this adventure.

For mini design collectors there will be a give away of a phantom chair drawn from the first 25 names that transfer from this blog. Cheers LCM

Little Brides are popping up all over!!!

2011-08-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

This bridal pair made by Erna Meyer is from the collection of blogger Rebecca of Rebecca's Collections. They were made in the 1950's.

This set of Rebecca's also by Erna Meyer is from the 1970's. Hmmm I think I am going to have to dig up my own wedding pictures from the 1970's...

And this one is 18th century style. Be sure to go
to http://Rebeccascollections.blogspot.com/ and see her pictures of the beautiful and spunky brides from her family! Thank you Rebecca, you're a doll! C & Co.

SHH I'm not really blogging...!

2011-08-07T19:59:00.000-07:00

I am supposed to be taking time off, but it is hard! I am just slipping a little pic in of a glass chandelier I got last time Shale and I went to Pennsylvania. It is so easy to blog wherever you are from Flickr... mob (mother of the bride)

Creds: (I've been reading a lot of FBI novels) German dollhouse ca. late 1800's, modern phantom lucite chair, Shackman mahogany table, antique glass chandelier, antique german soft silver sconces, antique german red stripe platter and vase. Vintage bottle.

Guest Blogger: Minimodern

2011-08-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

Thank you to my friend Minimodern for guest blogging this week on LCM. I am traveling back East for my "Elder Assistant's" (younger daughter's) wedding later this month.

Minimodern has envisioned a reception in the Villa Sibi!
I love these colors! Look at the chandelieres and the boughs!

The Bride loves the colors too. Had to remind her it is too late to change...

Look at these beautiful colors and festive setting! The Younger Assistant wants the cakes.

Orange, pink and yellow colors are perfect for an August wedding!

The Goods: main table PDR, guest tables and chairs are Bozart Toys, cake tables are children's blocks, Buffet table is Selecta, White panels are minimodernistas, Vases are CB2, all accessories are Re-Ment, Mighty World, Bozart Toys, Mattel, DCWV, and common craft store finds. Modern MC

Truly Bloggy friends are the BEST! Thank you Minimodern
from LCM and her Elder Assistant and the flower girl.

Do you have a fairy Godmother? It seems I do... because MY wish was granted!

2011-07-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

"Hey, Colette! Isn't that the chair you were looking for?" said Daphne as the girls were furniture shopping.

Colettes gasped, "Oh it is! A Bouloum chair. I so want one for my MH1." "Try it out" urged Daphne.

"Oh it is dreamy! " said Colette. "May I try it?" asked Daphne.

"I'm sorry, but I'm never getting up" Colette told her best friend.

Thank you to Pinchofpepper who created this chair. Wow you did an incredible job! I tried doing it out of felt and mine looked like a softie... Thank you! This is just exquisite! Mini world friends are just the best!

P.S. Go here

http://myrealitty.blogspot.com/2009/11/modern-kitchen_04.html

to see 3 newer posts I did about pinch in 2009. (I only knew how to upload one picture per blog post at this time...)
And here

http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=2481497517845163734&postID=342185074197615511

My that seems like a long time ago.
CM

Congratulations Winners!

2011-07-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

To see the four winners of the 1/12 scale phantom chairs go to http://Myrealitty.blogspot.com/
Thank you everyone who participated! C

OMG LOOK!

2011-07-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

Look what pinchofpepper made ME!!!! I am the luckiest girl in the world! Is she good or what! She also said it was a pain so don't even bother begging her for one. It will look SO HOT in my MH1.

Speaking of which I am interviewing Wes Christensen for the Dollhouses Past and Present ezine now. What a mini life!!!! :) C

my current thrill

2011-07-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

I love this old plastic doll furniture. It is 1/12 scale or a little smaller. To me it looks like the seats in a Camero. My best friend in high school had a yellow Camero with a black top. And a big v8 track player in between the seats. I had an MGA convertable... It WAS southern California. Wish I had it now...

Cool, no. And so reasonable on ebay. Pennies!

Of course as with many old toys it has what they call in the antique trade..."light teeth marks". I mean these are children's toys. I bet it tasted really good. Probably a younger sibling...

And if you know me, you know I really want a pool for my I house. Look at this Barbie spa. I threw away the styrafoam version I made post haste!

Ok so it is blue with glitter... Well still... C

If I could make things...

2011-07-04T22:20:00.000-07:00

Bouloum man chair by Olivier Mourgue

http://www.oliviermourgue.com/

I want this in 1/12 scale for my MH1. I tried to make it out of red felt. Uh..

can't get the perspective right. I may need help... C

Faux Bamboo furniture

2011-06-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

This 1/6 scale furniture is hot pink plastic. I sprayed it black. I keep seeing this wild Barbie furniture on ebay for a dollar or two.

Vixievaporous from Flickr turned me on to the phantom chairs. They are a little smaller than 1/6 and are perfect for 1/12 scale. They are used as table decorations or place card holders. Thanks Vixie!

The lamp is Jonathan Alder sprayed black. I have found that using fabric from clothing is best as the patterns are smaller, so the striped cuhions are from an old jersey blouse.

Before, hot pink. After, black. Funny the 2 chairs are the same size

but the pink one looks bigger. Must be an optical illusion.

Cheers CM

OMG My camera broke!

2011-06-24T23:58:00.000-07:00

shell house by Kotaro Ide from Artechnic

So last night I made this really cool graphic style pillow to go on this hot pink Barbie couch in faux bamboo which I had spray painted black.

AND when I went to photograph it I found out my camera was broken! The viewfinder was white...

I know in the end this will be good for me forcing me to buy a better camera, but for now I am empty, a lost soul, bereft of expressing myself.

This picture above is a summer/winter house built in Japan to withstand cold and hot weather. It is self contained and beautiful in it's simplicity in the natural setting.

This chaise is by Karim Rashid.
I love its sleek shape. I am tempted to start slicing paper towel rolls to achieve this look in 1/6 scale. Looking at these two oval inspired artifacts makes me feel better. Consider this therapy through design.

The most ridiculous part of building you own dollhouse is

2011-06-18T16:45:00.000-07:00

that it keeps collapsing on itself. The part of the I House made by Imaginarium is sturdy and play worthy. The pool extension and front door and family room I added keep falling over. Even just passing by can cause an earth quake. It's more like building a tower of blocks than a house. I need a nail gun, that's all I'm saying.

I house livingroom: I cannot EVEN imagine manufacturing, shipping, marketing and
the customer service involved with making a mini house! Most custom one's made of wood are so heavy shipping must be an issue. How difficult to check every box correctly.

The scale issue is a pain too. These made in Japan yellow plastic chairs were offered as Barbie size! Not. They are barely 1/12. They fit in with the Mattel vintage wooden Barbie furniture because that is not truly 1/6 either. I had to spray paint them orange and black... I HAD to.

A little "behind the scene" shot.

Credits: Mattel wooden vintage tables, couch and buffet. pinchopepper white tension lamp. Orange Jonathan Adler Barbie big lamp (repainted). Japanese made vintage Eames chairs (repainted) Purse made in Peru from Shale, Black boxes on table from Modern MC, planters shampoo bottle tops and makeup bottle top. Greenery from Michael's. Mexican carved pot and terracotta pot from ebay. Area rug and shell on a stand, Minimodernista. Back drop, old painting. Woven planter, napkin ring.

Cheers, CM

Phantom Chair

2011-06-13T14:43:00.000-07:00

I remember why I started this 1/6 scale "I house" project.
Designer chairs! This Phantom chair only comes in 1/6 scale.

I love it in the I House!
Credits: Couch and coffee table, "put together" vintage Barbie furniture with pad I made, recycled shampoo top planters with Michael's plastic greenery, note pad page for rug, Mighty World cup, plate coffee pot. Antique metal urns, vintage black lattice 1950's dollhouse wood balconey, Barbie TV. Styrafoam packing piece for alcove.

Credits for artwork: Large piece on left, Bozart.

Top and lower right modern art, Imagination house frames with pieces of a National Gallery flyer cut up to fit the frames.

Lower middle: Imagination House with original print.

Upper right: vintage '50's, I think.

Notice antique black metal urns.

These are some recent additions. Princess Patti (left) 1960's Made in Japan yellow plastic Eames chair, I spray painted orange and black (middle) and the Phantom chair 1/6 scale (right).

The funny thing about the orange chair is it was listed in a Barbie lot so I thought it would be bigger. It fits in with the vintage Mattel wooden Barbie set because it is slightly closer to 1/12 size. Size matters...

The only problem with the 1/6 is THEY ARE SO BIG! And I keep tripping over them. I am considering spray painting the couch and coffee table black... What do you think? Cheers! CM

Design Profile: Peter Tucker

2011-06-07T16:30:00.000-07:00

Published in Dollhouses Past & Present, Magazine #9 (May 2011) by Carol Morehead, Leftcoastmini

Frank Lloyd Wright lamp & chairs

Dare I call Peter Tucker an Eminent Gris of Modern Miniature design? He is really not that gris. But if you look at the 25 or more articles that have been published about him his eminence is clear. His special skill is bringing artistry and technology together.

He currently lives in Vancouver British Columbia with his wife Jeremie. He has 2 grown daughters from an earlier marriage, Heather and Michelle.
Peter made his first doll house as a ten year old for his younger sister when his family was living in Montreal, Canada. It is unknown what happened to the house as the family furnishings were dispersed after his mother died.

He is particularly amused by the portable television.

Peter's second dollhouse, built from plans.

His post high school education began in Engineering and then he switched to Psychology. He began his career as School Psychologist.

He next started a database design consulting company. This job required constant travel and as he explained "upon hearing of the deaths of two people close to me in a hotel room on the other side of the globe, I decided to make a change and not spend most of my time away from my family".
This was his chance to explore his creativity which lead first to making one of a kind of roomboxes, then to the art of miniature furniture.

His room boxes, such as the Greene and Greene Gamble House dining room above, have exquisite workmanship and show a masterful understanding of perspective, so important to make miniature scenes look realistic.

His first show was in Seattle in 1997 or '98. He was noticed at that Seattle show by Andy and Marilyn Benedict of Maison des Maisons (a miniatures company which specialized in Native American and fine American and European art), who took him to his first Chicago show in 1999. They encouraged him and he has been showing his work there ever since.

Frank Lloyd Wright stick back chair

After finishing his roomboxes he began to find a lack of modern furniture to put in them.

His next influence was meeting the collector Annie Herzfeld in 1998. Annie's father had been an engineer for Frank Lloyd Wright and she only wanted modern miniature productions and Peter became a devotee to that style.
He now creates miniature originals, focusing on roomboxes, lights and furniture in mainly art deco, arts and crafts, and modern styles.

He was captivated by the G. Rietveld Chair. "Some things are just a visual treat and I have to make them. It is a study in geometry and planes and primary colors," he said.

He makes beautiful miniature working lights. He initiated experimentation with LED based lights. Some of his creations are beautiful Lucite sculptures.

Sculpture or light?

Peter Tucker's LED lights at the Good Sam Show, San Jose, California in October 2010. Photo: MiniDork from http://modernminihouses.blogspot.com/

Peter attends many major shows where he exhibits and gives tutorials. His tutorials are very popular and he is willing to share his skills. You might have seen him last year in Chicago or at the Kensington Show in England this Spring.

Above: Peter Tucker's furniture at the Good Sam Show, San Jose, California, October 2010. Photos: MiniDork from http://modernminihouses.blogspot.com/

Below: Detail of the Art Deco / Moderne dressing table

I think the statement he made that most resonated with me is about Grandma's House. He points out, "Victorians are not what kids understand. Grandma's house is as far back as they go. Nobody's Grandma lives in a Victorian anymore, they live in a 1950's house at the earliest." Perhaps this reflects the younger miniatures audience's attraction to the '60's and even '70's design.

Chaise Me To Work: Two Peter Tucker modern chairs in Douglas fir, cherry, and ebony, in a scene and photo by Modern MC of Mini Modern

This echoes exactly what I experienced with my own Grandchild when her first words said while pointing at my dollhouses' items were,"Cell phone, bottled water, and remote" in baby talk.
Though I have many pieces of modern mini furniture I treasure the piece I have of his work. It is his molded plywood chair. The picture I took of that chair is one of my best photos, not because of my photography skill, and maybe in spite of it, but because of natural sunlight falling on his beautifully formed wood.

Photo: Carol Morehead, Leftcoastmin

Today Peter has a web site at http://www.roomboxes.com/ which showcases his creations for sale. Much of his work is custom-made to collectors' ideas. He has even made roomboxes inspired by movie themes and loves to make his customers' ideas come to life.

He has a blog at http://roomboxes.blogspot.com/ called "Musings on Modern Miniatures: random notes on my working with miniatures: activities, designs, and design influences, techniques and brain storms." It's worth joining just for the brain storms! His blog shows his latest creations showing how his imagination and artistry work together.

Peter works in a garage converted to a studio, and says of his workspace,

"One thing for sure - I don't suffer from any compulsive neatness disorder - and I do like tools!"

As well as MANY hand tools, he has (above left) a Brynes 4 inch table saw, a compressor below, and dust collector; (above right) a drum sander atop a planer, jointer in the middle, disc sander to left with suspended vacuum hose adding a certain style; (below left) the big table saw; and below right, a Preac saw to the right with electronic stuff above and to right, band saw and tool chest to left.

In his basement shop (above), there are more tools, including a paint spray booth and compressor, a scroll saw and a microlux saw, a drill press, a mini mill, and a micro lathe.

Screen or room divider inspired by Eileen Gray

As he looks back at this beautiful body of work he created he knows one thing for sure — he won’t run out of inspiration for new and interesting pieces to design and build.

Cheers CM

That Mattel Spell.

2011-05-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

I think I did start this whole I House project to showcase my vintage wooden Mattel furniture. You know how when you aquire something you suddenly notice it is all around you?
I first noticed this vintage wooden Mattel set on ebay and then noticed others had used them on flickr. I looked up "mattel furniture" in explore and found these! They gave their permission and I want to share these with you.

photo by beastiegirls

Look at this wallpaper! I love the stripes.

picture by beastiegirls

The color couldn't be better. The apricot color really works.

picture by beastiegirls
She titled this "Kerouac Attack"

See her photostream on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/beastiegirlsinc/4366219737/

Then with high polish is the work of Maryann Roy. You have read about her on Minidork's blog: http://modernminihouses.blogspohttp//www.flickr.com/photos/welcomehomefurnishings/5618615243/t.com/2011/04/maryann-roy-in-112-who-wants-some.html

Look at how chill this is.

http://maryannroy.wordpress.com/new-dream-house-comes-to-life/

to see her website where you can purchase her designs.

And these colors! Maryann says these are the same style as the mattel couches in 1/12 scale. Look how good they look when they are positioned that way! I would never have thought of trying that!

Her flickr stream is:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/welcomehomefurnishings/5618615243/

Last, as I found this

clever approach by Blytheowl, very pregnant! (great way to update your status!)

photo by Blytheowl, very pregnant!

by Blytheowl, very pregnant!

She used these vintage napkins for the upholstry Brilliant!

You can see more of her work on flickr too

http://www.flickr.com/photos/48068176@N06/5199700514/

So my head is swirling about how to play with this great furniture.

photo by Leftcoastmini

Fondue Anyone? My picture as soon as I unwrapped them! It is great that these cushions come off so you can experiment with this set without ruining it.

Oh P.S. My Elder Assistant took that photo upper right for us on her first business trip to Indiana for the design firm she works for, and she and all the guests had to spend the night in the basement of the Hampton Inn she stayed at due to tornado warnings! Wow. C

Front door experiments for the I house, needs Eichler style house numbers

2011-05-23T10:18:00.000-07:00

The last 3 posts are about working on the I house.

Because we deal in ideas I like to credit where I get them. Thanks MiniDork for telling me about artificial plastic plants when you gave us the gift from the SF mini meet up. Here's my try.

The white pot is the plastic top of my sun umbrella. Side wall by tap plastics.

The black pot is a make up bottle top. Carpet by minimodernistas.
Greenery from Michael's. Front door from Jonathan Adler box.

Here is my sun umbrella bereft of it's top piece. I hope it lasts without it!
So what I am looking for are miniature Eichler style house numbers.
And a ball light for the front... Any ideas when I can find them?

These are from http://www.eichlernetwork.com/HDext_numbers.html a net site to help you reburbish your real Eichler.

I really want Mid Century style they show:

I may have to print them and then glue it to the house.

Just playing with my plants.

Credits: Barbie chair repainted, mighty world cup and saucer, Plants Michael's, planters are shampoo bottle tops.

Cheers! CM

Seeing double

2011-05-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

"I have no comment at this time".

Credits: Jonathan Adler Barbie lamp, repainted orange. Imaginarium Glitter Suite house stairs, 2 sets. Mattel vintage wooden side table,

silver grid stair guard by tap plastics from Minimodern, white desk, computer monitor, desk phone, Gloria Barbie furniture repainted, black printer Delph miniatures. Shell that fell on the floor at the foot of the bottom stairs and unnoticed by photographer, Mother Nature.

Update: The little Assistant's mother came over and I showed her the I house. She didn't notice and when I pointed out the double stairs she said "Oh she won't even miss them!" and then "I didn't know that dress was a Jonathan Adler, I helped her take it off and put it on Snow White!" CM

Can I steal Candy from a baby?

2011-05-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

I want this child's plastic staircase.

It's not like she's using it.... I saw her Imaginarium Glitter Suite house. She put a Barbie to bed with a pink striped wash cloth over her and left her for days.

"Oh take it" said Barbie, "She probably won't even miss it... she took my Jonathan Adler dress off me and put it on Snow White..."

I transferred my set that came with my house to the second floor. Then I could put HER SET of stairs on the first floor.

I'm afraid if I ask her she will say "NO!" and even after a lengthy discussion about sharing, the Care Bears, whatever, I might not prevail. And then every time she walks by she will keep an eagle eye on them.

What should I do? If I just BORROW them she might not even miss them for a while and I can experiment with them... I could always say her dog took them and she would believe me.... A moral dilemma. What do you think? She is at pre school till 5 today. The coast is clear...C

Update: My elder assistant reminded me of 2 instances tht might provide deep background on the ebb and flow of items between our two houses.

1. I have a beautiful silver southwestern cuff bracelet I often wear. It dissappeared last July. We searched both houses asking everyone if they had seen it. No luck finding it.

Around December when my little assistant and her parents were nicely dressed and going out, her mother paused to get Grampy to take a picture of them for their Christmas card. "Just a moment" the little assistant said, ran to her bedroom and trotted out with the silver bracelet on her arm.

2. The elder assistant and her sister were watching tv and giggling when the little assistant came in and out of the blue said, "Jessy, you better stop playing with Mommy's makeup"...
I like the saying Mi Casa es su Casa. Literally.

Please help me pick contrasting colors!

2011-05-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

The model is wobbly because the walls are not screwed together yet.

The color scheme is Brown on the outside walls with grey trim.
I moved the front door to the left and added a deck with a pool. I hope to make it an infinity pool and add a hot tub. I need to spray paint the purple arched front wall and sides of the pool brown.

The tile is colored xereoxes of the original bathroom tile in the Imaginarium Glitter Suite. You can see a sample in the background.

Interior walls are white in the bedroom, kitchen, office and tv room.

The owner of this house is a therapist. Here is her office. I want to paint the natural wood supports grey like the rest of the trim.

BUT it needs some contrasting color. Any suggestions?
Update: I spray painted the styrofoam and it disintegrated. Maybe it will look pebbly like stone. Have to wait and see. Thanks C

Rule #1 lose the elevator.

2011-05-15T17:30:00.000-07:00

It is my intention to not use the elevator that comes with the house and have a grand entry space instead. I am seeing minimodernistas 3 ball light fixture there.

I love the metallic plastic stairs but I think they might be best used outside.

I need to square the Norman curved windows to keep the lines clean.

I am seeding the roof. There is always Chia pet goo if nothing else works. I was inspired by this business card of Dave Anderson of Event Farm. (dave.anderson@eventfarm.com) He finds palces for events. Farms are popular with the wedding sets right now.

At first I thought his card was dirty, but seeds are embedded in his business card. It says "plant it, it will grow, really". And My Little Assistant is very involved with seeds. Her nursery school projects don't sprout. Ever. I will keep an eye on this living roof.

The outside is being sprayed a grey brown color.

The interior lower level is white, the second level is beige, the top level has no walls yet.

Ma Grande Folie

2011-05-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

We all know and love the blog: Une Petite Folie http://une-petite-folie.blogspot.com/2010/03/la-petite-maisonpart-5.html. by Linda Carswell.

We love the visions of Paris and delicate workmanship that goes into each scene. It was also nominated for "best miniatiure blog of the year". Want a to relax? Go there. Wile away the hours.

I mention it because I am afraid my I House project will be Ma Grande Folie.

BUT... I'm doing it anyway. Why? For fun. Somehow I am driven to convert (hack, bash, pick you own action verb) a mini house designed in High Barbie Dungess into a Eichler like green house.

So Here goes. I googled "ultra modern house" and got this model on the left. Much later I saw the add "ultra modern doll house" and said why not? http://www.kabmurungraya.net/2009/04/20/custom-designed-contemporary-homes-2009/

Do you see it?

I house inspiration

2011-05-10T14:58:00.000-07:00

http://www.tschumi.com/projects/59/

This incredible roof is on the M2 Metro station in Lausnne by Bernard Tschumi

And I have always admired this project, http://www.greendollhouse.org/ from oh yeah! 2005!

Do you see it? Tum ta Dah! The I house begins.

Big Mini Meet Up

2011-05-07T22:51:00.000-07:00

Tonight a group of the Bay area mini modern enthusiasts met in San Francisco. We met in North Beach at the Cafe Greco. Yummy coffee drinks, pannini sandwiches and great people watching.

What a good time! It is so interesting to talk to others who share your interests yet each if us has a different approach or kind of collection or project we are working on.

Mini Dork brought pieces by Paul MacAlister she has been blogging about see: http://modernminihouses.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-04-23T09%3A36%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=20 and Maryann Roy's 1/12 scale pieces. That is a Paris Renfroe bed (white right back) for comparison of scale. It was so great to be able see them in person.

Another major topic was storage. How to, what works with what scale, etc. Below is a picture of sharing pictures and articles.
Personally I think we might be called "the Ichabod Crane group" as everyone wishes to remain headless...

We had so much fun talking. AND there were treats! Mini2be brought my all time favorite cultural icon needed in every one of my scenes. A Starbucks mug!

Modern MC brought the black plastic grid and it included a white pannel too, so useful for making walls Thank you!

Mini Dork made this planter in a plastic vase with tiny rocks! So realistic and she made the little lucite cube sculpture. I plan to use them in my I house I am starting.
I took wood and fabric samples from my daughter's design company in D.C. that were being thrown out. When my daughter asked if she could have them her boss asked suspiciously why? He suspected industrial espionage and she said , "Well... you see my Mom and her friends like little dolls and these would make great rugs, and they like making little chairs..."
So she got to keep them.

It was so much fun and now my head is buzzing with questions I wished I'd asked!

Thank you Modern Mini for starting the ball rolling and everyone who came! Hope to see you soon. CM

This blows my mind

2011-05-05T13:50:00.000-07:00

Look at this life sized light fixture!

This, below is from my dollhouse!

A 1/10 scale from my German puppenstube.

This is a real sized plant stand.

This plant stand (full size) is amazing too.

THERE ARE NO PHOTO CREDITS Of THE REGULAR SIZE ITEMS BECAUSE THE ARE FROM OLD EBAY ADS. IF THEY ARE YOURS, LEAVE A COMMENT AND I WILL CREDIT YOU.

This photo is from http://www.puppenhausmuseum.de/ to show the dollhouse plant stand. Miniature scale. This site is one of my all time favorites. If you haven't been there you must go. I can spend hours pouring over the incredible designs.

But the thing is, though familiar with DDR, Vero, and Crailshimer dollhouse designs I had never seen the real thing until these mid- century light and plantstands were on ebay. Too Much! CM

Homes sweet homes

2011-04-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts of travel is returning home. You always bring back new perspectives and memories. One of the last jobs I did before leaving DC was address 250 envelopes for the elder assistant's wedding invitations. My right hand hurts.

And then I got to watch that romantic English wedding. Personally I wondered if the Queen was tired too.

So Cheers to the Newlyweds, William and Catherine! May you have a long life of happiness together. Hooray for 2011 weddings.

As Colette emptied her suitcase she immediately put on her slippers Daphne had given her from Peru. She saw the gift bag from Call Small and the purse from Peru but could not find her knit Peruvian hat! She hoped she did not leave it in Pennsylvania.

Then she thought of the gifts she meant to give. She remembered giving an envelope of wood samples and beautiful modern swatchs to Shale, but she wondered if she packed them up and brought them home again?

She knows she forgot to give Call Small her present. Did she take Daphne's back to California too????

Well, she would have to check with them before the Northern California mini group meeting in a few weeks when she would DEFINATELY remember to bring them to share!

CM

Call of the Small in Princeton

2011-04-24T05:46:00.000-07:00

Susan and I were graciously welcomed into the home of Christine Ferrara the blogger Call of the Small. What a joy! Seeing how each mini designer organizes her work and accessories around her life is amazing especially when children and careers are thrown into the mix.

photo by Susan Hale as SOMEBODY forgot to charge her battery overnight!

Call Small has been wildly sucessful, published in the New York Times about the mini design phenonemon, and recently Ladies Home Journal Magazine. Her work is cutting edge and she owns an incredible collection of mid-century and modern furniture.

The girls have a drink on the road

2011-04-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

Recognize this establishment??? photo by Susan Hale

Time to Design

2011-04-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

Really, Colette, We can use this stuff?

Yes it is very high end.

Well it turns out CM's older assistant is beginning a new career in office design and she thought we might find uses for these, Daphne.
What do you think?

would you stay in this motel?

2011-04-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

The room service is very good, the Martinis are shaken, not stirred.
Beds are a little on the small size.

Credits: Mattel 1950's wood furniture with original bedspread. minimodernista ribbon lamp and beige woven rug, postcard for screen, antique vase with a calking tube lid for the pleated shade. Barbie purse spray painted. African mask from Texas Tiny. Color xerox from a Miro museum postcard.

Mattel early wooden furniture

2011-04-06T04:12:00.000-07:00

from the 1950's-60's This furniture was an early set for Mattel dolls.
I am playing around with it and will use it in the hacked Imaginariumglittersuite dollhouse... aka the I house.

This design remind me of the music of the time epitomized by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass sound. Did you know his parents were Jewish immigrents from Romania? He excelled at the trumpet at Fairfax High in LA. He said most of the guys in his band were Italian but he really helped start the love of Latin music.

Check out these videos from the time. Disneyland? Some critics say he created elevator music. I love it. My memory is of my High School band playing it at football games. He and his wife Lani Hall still are making beautiful music today.

I will be adding more pictures on this post as I play with it. C

Fondue anyone?
Credits: all the furniture is Mattel with original upholstery, minimodernista shell sculpture, bonkai plastic asian figure, 2 Bozart vases, Jonathan Adler Barbie lamp, antique southwestern pot. Black vase on table is contemporary Barbie.

New lights for the dollhouse

2011-03-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

           Jacobsen's halo light for my MH1!
                                                    OK April Fool's!

(I wish! Doris? Peter? Paris?) Just wanted to get this out there early as I am in one of the last time zones. Happy Early April Fools Day, tomorrow, or the next day, or whenever you read this!   ;) C

The (not so) elusive vinyl Mansion, see sidebar

2011-03-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

Petite Princess and the urban myth.

Because this dollhouse furniture was made for only one year the dollhouse that goes with is is hard to find. Have you seen it? Do you have one?

This vinyl version was better able to survive. This is from 1966 and 1967 sold through Sears. I think people who look at it think it is junk because the vinyl is just becoming antique now.

from Vixie Vaporous on Flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/xchromosome/2793578102/in/pool-petiteprincess

I love to play with pieces but I also get a kick out of having the miniatures in their real home.
I saw several vinyl houses on ebay so I decided to research them.

I used the Sear's Christmas Wish Books listed on a helpful website: www.wishbookweb.com/ to search for the advertising of this dollhouse.

In the 1964 Wish book I found

I know just how that girl feels! Love the "pixie band".

the listings of the three cardboard roomboxes offered at the time. The living room, dining room and bedroom. So rococco!

Here is the 1966 Sears Christmas Book

From later books I found these vinyl houses,

check out the picture on the bottom of the page below of the Colonial Mansion.

This one from 1969 showed a later version with the furniture, which was Petite Patti by then and made by Redbox in Hong Kong.

And check out this last black and white ad for a vinyl house from 1969, Cape Cod mod. $4.99.

The hunt continues...

do you relate to vinyl dollhouses? Yet?

CM

Keeping it light

2011-03-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

Well my friend Lemoncadet infected me with her beautiful photography on Flickr. Go here to see more.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lemoncadet/5337195709/in/photostream/

How sleek is this?

How mod is this? I love how she contrasts color and shape.

These pictures feature the miniature furniture of the Petite Princess Fantasy Furniture Line that was made for only one year in 1964 by the Ideal Co. It was high end, had 30 pieces and was made in Japan. Later under the name Princess Patti it was carried at Sears and produced in Hong Kong. It is 3/4 " scale and represents the best of 1960's design. Lemoncadet also shows a good selection of the original miniatures contrasted with the later knock offs which are pretty darn close. The serious Buddah is the original, the laughing one was made later.

There are 8 of us in the Petite Princess by Ideal flickr group. There is even a fan page on Face book for Petite Princes Furniture and many references through Google.

The furniture is what they call "Hollywood Regency" to me. It has an emphasis on antiquing and rich fabrics. Tony Duquette ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Duquette ) perhaps?
Or like a bad LSD trip in a 60's furniture store... Your choice.

When I put mid-century into a search of furniture on ebay recently, I noticed Hollywood regency kept cropping up. Uh oh, I have blogged about how I grew up in Southern California in the '60's and am haunted by images of my Mom's swag lamps.

From ebay

I even found this one there a while ago that was the look in her bedroom, the gold one was in the livingroom... So Hollywood Regency was sort of the worst of the worst. Think Liz Taylor in a caftan entertaining Mia Farrow when she was married to Frank Sinatra. A time of excess. The Petite Princess furniture embodies that time to me with their lush fabrics and exaggerated forms.

(Update 3/23/11: RIP Elizabeth Taylor you were a great activist for championing AIDS/HIV when no one else would touch it.)

And the point is I confess... I started collecting it, Shhhhhh... don't tell anyone! Much more to follow.

Tomodachi

2011-03-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

Go to http://www.utterlyengaged.com/ for information.

More!

2011-03-15T15:21:00.000-07:00

AFTER

BEFORE!

AFTER

                                              BEFORE.

       My assistant is thrilled with the food! Yup, another turkey.

                 This one I'm not changing. It's going to Germany.

:) C

More happily ever Afters

2011-03-11T18:12:00.000-08:00

Oh Eames!

I have this little Reac model in black and it blew my mind when I found out Barbie had one too.

In PINK! Of course. Duh,

So I just had to change it.

What do you think?

and I just had to remodel this hot pink desk,

To this.

Wait for it ... the chair was hot pink too! Now put on your sunglasses for the "before picture" of this desk... Ready?

I mean it, really.

The best part of this (don't tell anyone) is I got some of the furniture for 99 cents. The desk set with all the accessories by Gloria was $5.45 plus shipping. Check out the purple phone. See it transformed to black in the picture below?

See the tower of the computer under the desk instead of under the screen?

Great cheap thrills! Hey what can I say, I'm saving for a wedding. Cheers! C

See post below or before this for the first crop of reworked furniture.

Before & Afters

2011-03-10T14:17:00.000-08:00

Pictures of furniture abandoned, unloved then restored or given TLC are great fun. It is always amazing what a little paint or modern fabric can do to revitalize furniture.

I think it is best to do the "after" picture first with minis and then reveal the "before" such as:
before

The lamp after,

The lamp before

and the computer "after"

the computer before. EEK!

I'm having fun cooking up more!

I think I will go post these on Flickr in Oese's Modern dollhouse -re -re-re, group (re as in repurposed) Cheers C

Credits: aqua couch vintage Barbie, Yellow and blue tension lamp, vintage Sindy found on ebayUK, Purple computer contemporary Gloria doll furniture. The scales on all these vary. Some could be easily used with 1/12 items such as the painting in the top picture by

Jo Searle, and the confetti pillows by minimodernista.

Strange!

2011-03-03T19:21:00.000-08:00

OK so this cool house? It is HO train scale, do I have that right? 1/87th? according to Wikipedia. I better check. But way cool! Who designed this and when?
It is on US ebay #300531499368 now. I would love to know more, C

Designer: Doris Nathanson

2011-02-27T12:41:00.000-08:00

Designer Profile: Doris Nathanson of minimodernistas by Carol Morehead "Truly modern, mid-century, and contemporary dollhouse furnishings. Very cool" is how Doris Nathanson describes her work. And it is! When you use her chairs or lights in your mini house and take pictures people think they are of full sized rooms. You often hear "I had no idea it was miniature!"

photo by Megan Hornbecker
Her work has been featured the New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, in Whole Living Magazine by Martha Stewart, and you have probably seen her lamps on the logo of Call of the Small, a modern mini blogger. She gets around.

I first noticed her on Flickr. The pictures of her furniture stood out. She was picked up by the mini blogger Mini Modern and business took off. You can also find her in ads for Elf Miniatures from England.

minimodernistas' collection Japanese pillows
Doris works mostly in 1/12th scale, but also has a range of items in both 1/16th and 1/6th scales. All the major modern mini bloggers have her furniture. Her clever business name "minimodernistas" has caught the attention of journalists, making her business name almost a catch phrase.

I met Doris when ordering her classic red Long&Low couch, which hit the mini scene like a design earthquake. It opened up a new world of upholstered furniture.

Her lamps and chairs were like putting modern art in your scene. Gone was the stuffiness. Fun to play with, the mini collectors could at last indulge their hunger for modern fixtures.

Doris's color is an important part of her designs

Being a fun and interesting person, she was easy to chat with over the phone and through email. I was lucky to meet her in person last summer at the Design Within Reach exhibit held in San Francisco in September, 2010. She is even MORE fun in person.

(Photo: Megan Hornbecker )

Doris grew up in New York. She attended Syracuse University as an art major. She raised a family and taught print production techniques at Otis College of Art Design. She was long involved in the Los Angeles graphic design community and mini design is her current love. That she made a successful business of it attests to her talent.

Her web site, designed by Doris and Megan Hornbecker of ModernMiniHouses.com, is http://www.minimodernistas.com/. You can see the site is as clear and classy as she is.

Her latest creation is the frame chair:

She also creates miniature furniture for children's rooms.

Just like full size
What will she do next? I can't wait to see..but the mini design world will be enriched by it and I'm ready to play.

Doris's barrel chairs and table in a scene by Leftcoastmini

Published in Doll Houses Past and Present Join this free dollhouse group here:

www.dolhousespastandpresent.com/

Is this modern? What do you think?

2011-02-23T12:19:00.000-08:00

I am showing Marx dollhouses next month on my collection blog:
http://Myrealitty.blogspot.com/

Is Marx Modern? What do you think? Mid century is so hip right now but what is this considered?

Marx houses in Martha Stewart Living Magazine, this month's issue in an article about collecting. Trendy. Tin litho, and steel houses are just becoming old enough to appear more interesting than junky.

Of course, what I consider an antique, and what my elder assistant (26) considers antique is very different.

It also amuses me when my 4yr old granddaughter walks up to my MH1 and points to all the rement items familiar to her... "Oh a bottle of water.. oh, a celly ( baby talk for cell phone), oh controlls... (tv remote) ".

One day she asked me what the phone jack on the wall was for in my own house. I found myself saying, "Well, in the olden days phones came out of the wall on cords..." She looked at me blankly.

The more things change, the more different they are... to me. C

The frame chair

2011-02-18T08:34:00.000-08:00

credits: minimodernista chair, sindy lamp repainted.

Eye Candy, less than 1 calorie...

2011-02-14T03:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Credits: lamps, minimodernistas, stairs, Imaginarium house.

It was a wild morning

2011-02-13T11:25:00.000-08:00

My assistant and her assistant went to work on the Imaginarium doll house.

Barbie was excited. The structure is sturdy. Notice the stairs and elevator.

Just one little packet of screws is missing. So the roof will have to wait. I wonder where it is. The furniture that came with the house is well made. It is sturdy and the bases are large so little fingers do not knock them over.

Notice the graphic of a modern sink?

The furniture is sturdy.

The 4 yr old put this together. Slid the steps on the dowel, only one way to go, and we clicked it together. Then she ran around her house brandishing it with glee. It stayed together. We were amazed.

What is it with shag rugs, compare this with the one in the Eagle Hexagon house from the 1950's pictured below.

from the Eagle Hexagon dollhouse

Barbie is resting peacefully. Happy Pink Valentine's day!
My little assistant likes it sooooo much more than the Gottschalk, Phew! C and Co.

My new house. The "I" house.

2011-02-11T08:46:00.000-08:00

My newest house has arrived. It is the Imaginarium Glitter Dream Dollhouse.... I am going to refer to it as the "I house", basically ready to ditch the whole "Glitter Dream" asap.. It is one of those things you can pick up for around $30.00 on ebay, IF you live near where it is offered, pick up only type. Or $129.00 at Toys r Us.

The first thing you notice about it is it is BRIGHT! No Pink is spared.

The second thing I noticed is that the graphics are interesting. It is too crowded with them, but some are great. Look at this lamp.

And look at these paper lantern style shades on the bathroom lights!

AND ... Ta Dah! Look at this very chic horizontal tile in the kitchen. As I love gray I should just get this house in black and white.

I am tempted to make it into an apartment house, it is so big.

Here is my idea. Take this kind of furniture:

Which is a Sindy lamp I bought on ebayUK for $2.00, and hack it turning it into this:

Well, that's the plan... Doll hacking is so creative and fun.

So far there is just one little fly in the ointment.

Take 5

2011-02-08T16:03:00.000-08:00

I decided to try these spherical lamps in my 1950's Eagle hexagon doll house.

For more information go to http://Myrealitty.blogspot.com/ to learn about this wonderful mini house. Be sure to listen to Miles Davis and Oliver Nelson while doing so.

Love the flooring... love the faux bois.

What is this art on the living room wall? A heart monitor chart?

Abstract, much.

credits: minimodernista spherical lamps, Spot On couch and chair,and tv, in 1950's Eagle Hexagon House.

Ooo eee! The spigots have opened!

2011-02-06T16:47:00.000-08:00

IT Sold for $52.99.

ebay item: 27070025775088

                                 Ebay item: 150559644519 sold for $87.80.
                                        Check your closets!

Sold for $57.53.

ebay item: 150559640858

Eames Chair

2011-02-04T08:57:00.000-08:00

A study in Eames. In My Realitty

Credits: Barbie chair, Amazing Miniatures shelf, toy block side table, Jonathan Adler Barbie lamp, antique Gottschalk painting.

Colors in reality.

Well, this one must be preferred as it was chosen for a Flickr

explore picture!

See my best of the modern mini shots click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cjtgsm/sets/72157625970349706/

What is old is new again, or good design never dies...

2011-02-02T07:58:00.000-08:00

Item # 170597034638 on ebay. Ending in about 3 days from now.
Love the chrome cylindrical base.

More from the same seller.

I think this are so attractive to me because everything was made out of cardboard when Barbie showed up at my house. Then pink plastic when my younger daughter had her.

You can go to Worthapedia. com http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-1950s-barbie-mattel-modern-118598455 to see what these items sold for.

Tell me this flagstone isn't back? AND (scary music) DRAPES!
Can sculpted wall-to-wall be far off...
When I was in college at UCLA I decorated my apartment with left over Danish Modern furniture from my family. It was JUST passe. And no apartment was complete without accessories from Design Research on Wilshire in Beverly Hills! Like one of those geometric hanging lamp kits made of wooden slats that took forever to glue.

http://www.dolls4play.com/accessorieslist.html
Go here for vintage items:

How did I get into this???? I am NOT a Barbie collector. I'm way too cool... C

The finger

2011-01-31T08:26:00.000-08:00

So this is my version of the popular picture of a miniature scene with a God like hand coming in to make adjustments.
I was leery of my bitten nails showing...
I call it "The Finger"...
Have a nice day, C ; )

My Manifesto, and I'm sticking to it...

2011-01-30T16:31:00.000-08:00

Amid all the turmoil in the world... (do you think Momanned El Baradei will prevail in Egypt? wikipedia him if you need to...)

Are blogs supposed to be apolitical?

Not when they are called "Left Coast Mini".

Gee, I thought the lesson of WW2 was that politics in every day life was never to be forgotten.

And the lesson of Korea, and Viet Nam was "pay attention".

So my current diversion from all this World Wide trouble is the Dylan House by Brinca dada. Did you see the video on Call Small's latest blog? http://call-small.blogspot.com/

It looked like a "cat's cradle" string structure being played out, so simple. If only life was.

Meanwhile, I am going to make a Green Barbie house.

Don't tell me a "green Barbie house" is an oxy moron. I will prove you wrong.

OK that is just how we roll on the Left Coast... I'm just saying... C

Moderne dollhouses

2011-01-28T19:48:00.000-08:00

This is a house in the hills near me. I love the sleek Moderne Design. It was built in the late '30's. I especially appreciate the contemporary color scheme the new owners gave it.

This house is from the Bethnal Green Museum, in Britian, built in 1936. I have never seen it but it is on diepuppenstubensammlerin's Flickr stream, to see more of her pictures click here.

http://diepuppenstubensammlerin.blogspot.com/

by Henri Colbert go here http://modernminihouses.blogspot.com/search/label/Henry%20Colbert to Megan's blog for more.

This is a combination house I made from an old Triang House Facade spray painted stainless steel and my MH1 by Wes Christensen with a few panes of glass and a conservatory roof thrown in for good measure. Sort of a Moderne Mashup.

Wish I could find this one! I think it is a Triang. let me know if you know otherwise.

When I drive around Northern California I see so many examples of revival architecture. It is humerous how many different styles can be on one street. Sort of like a Hollywood set.

My very street is a Tudor, then a French Provencal, my Colonial, then a new Tuscan mini mansion. Come visit me and you'll feel like you've been around the world!

Have a nice weekend, CM

OK here's the new plan...

2011-01-24T20:16:00.000-08:00

I am going to adapt this style of modern house
found at this site http://www.kabmurungraya.net/2009/04/20/custom-designed-contemporary-homes-2009/

to this style of Barbie house by Imaginarium

The positives? I'm going to keep it in my room at my daughter's house. It's her guest room but mostly I'm there. Everyone calls it Nana's room.

The negatives? I probably will have to get my little assistant her own copy so I am free to do what I want to mine. She saw this picture and oohed and ahhed partially leading to yesterday's post.

P.S. This is all your fault MiniDork for showing the fun possibilities using 1/6 scale on your blog. Yes it is, none of the fault is mine...
really. Say it with me now, "That's my story and I'm sticking to it..."

So look at this item currently listed on ebay # 370478001395 ending in 5 days from now: 1/25/11.
It is the original metal and wood Barbie furniture. It has the lines of the German DDR furniture I love. Very cool.
(Hey if you just bought the "Buy it now" couch just like the one above but without cushions that was listed under this one, tell us what you plan to do with it?) C

Uh oh... look at these 1/6 scale from Minimodernistas!

http://minimodernistas.com/dollhouse/index.php?route=product/category&path=47

Go here to see more!

PS: I just noticed ELF makes 1/6 scale kitchens too! Yipee!

Barbie on the Brain, it's pink but I'm seeing red.

2011-01-24T09:57:00.000-08:00

I have Barbie on the brain... Barbie is 50, younger than me. Who IS her plastic surgeon? And I do mean plastic.

I have her on the brain because my little assistant is receiving Barbie clones merchandised by the Disney Company, such as the Pantheon of Princesses (Snow White, Belle et.al see post below) for presents now, and a Barbie ballerina is slipped in now and then AND SHE'S 4.

You know how I feel about the sexualizing of children, and especially girl children. Not a healthy idea.

By the way, does anybody know who Simone de Bouvoir is? (author of "The Second Sex" which basically started Feminism) Where is the Simone de Bouvoir doll? It could have a turban and a really short, ugly male doll named Sartre.

AND on top of this, I watched Toystory 1, 2, AND 3 this weekend.

Toy Overload. Wasn't the second movie a riot how they portrayed collectors? MIB much.
Tell me did it make you cry when the children grew up? (Bathos or pathos?) My head is spinning with the stimuli and I loved the sassy portrayal of Barbie and Ken.

So, I am trying to figure out when to get My Little Assistant a Barbie house as her friends are getting them now and she wants one.

I made her a miniature 1:12 scale replica of her own house before she was born. Here she is at 2 trying to fit a double bed through a bedroom window.

The first time she saw a little wooden Strombecker couch, at age one, she put it under her diapered bottom and sat on it. It disappeared under her. She knew what it was but hadn't developed cognitive spacial relationships yet. That taught me a lesson. Nothing fragile or sharp here.

Going in reverse from miniature to big.

But please do not show her this post about Doimo Cityline children's furniture from Italy for real girls.

Introduced to America in the past 5 years it is still hard to find. http://www.doimocityline.com/ (go here to see all their childrens' rooms products).

Made in collaboration with the Mattel Company it celebrates Barbie's 50th year...

Talk about confusion. "Am I a Princess or a Barbie?" these girls must be asking themselves.

So I guess you can do all Waldorf toys all the time, but you will have to have security like an airport at your kid's birthday party to keep Barbie from slipping in.

Hmmm, what to do. C

Miniatures and small children.

2011-01-22T08:49:00.000-08:00

Obviously miniatures are not for small children. Obviously.
Unless they are in the environment. Like if they live in your house.
My house is infested in that way.

The above scene was done shortly after that last post. It was preceeded by a lecture in baby talk about the importance of SHARING! "Sharing is caring" as they say at preschool.

It does not matter how child perfected the toys you give them are. They are more attracted to yours. I am thinking of you LemonCadet and your quest for a dollhouse for your daughter...

Please notice 2 things. The Amazing Miniature shelf is very well made. And Cinderella (like Mrs. Santa) has great taste in furniture choosing the Eames Lounger. They both like PDR too.

I have found that Mini Bloggers are good sharers. Haven't you?

The problem arises as it did after my Christmas staff party when the cushion to my favorite Barcelona chair disappeared. I'm hoping it will show up. It is a major part of pulling off my designs.

Sharing my miniatures with this small child allows her to explore her creativity.

Her sharing with me shows me how many boundaries I have accumulated in my life and how refreshing it is to be SO outside the box. For example this doll was named "AngelinaballerinaAuroraSnowWhite". I just call mine Colette. Maybe She should be "ColetteEamesManetMichelleO."?

You can tell it's a good toy when you can't stop playing with it!

2011-01-21T10:33:00.000-08:00

I am loving this midcentury design of Amazing Miniatures' shelving unit. Go to the post below to see her blog and etsy address.
I will be playing with it and adding pictures throughout the day. C

Repurposed nail polish bottle and electricians tape

for mid century lamp.

When I was in about 6th grade my Mother's best friend was an Interior Decorator. They would redo our house once a year adding the latest style element. I think they reached their pinnicle of success with the "Hanging Lamp". My Mother had a gold one with a swag chain in the livingroom and one with a blue and green patina in her bedroom.

I thought we were very elegant with a large blue glass bowl on our coffee table. I will admit that the furniture I inherited from that time is perfect now. It is upholstered in blue and olive green damask patterned material. But, please tell me swag lamps are NOT about to make a reappearance in fashion. Some how they make me shudder.

Credits: Amazing Miniatures' midcentury shelf, Reac Eames lounger and ottoman, (see Oese I finally got a black one) rement notebooks, Southwest Miniatures vase, vintage miniature books, sea shells, Michael's craft paper for wallpaper, electricians tape for lampshade, and it's chain, stolen from my elder daughter's costume jewelry. She will never know and she is too busy to read my blog... C

Amazing Miniatures shelf, I LOVE it!

2011-01-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

Go here to see more of Ann's amazing work! http://amazingminiatures.com/blog It looks so good in the MH1. I saw it showcased on Modern Mini Houses blogspot.

Forgive my haste today, I have been staying at my older daughter's house and her computer is down, so no access. AND the plumber is here at my house today... The bright spot? This fabulous shelf was in the mail box. Yipee! I cannot wait to collect midcentury looking items for it. You know the divider in the Imagination house set? It reminds me of that. C

Breaking News: "Thing o matic" Maker bot arrives, not a joke it's real!

2011-01-14T10:57:00.000-08:00

What is a Thing o matic? It is every miniaturists' dream.

Acting like a computer printer, it is filled with plastic instead of ink. Put a picture on the computer, send it to this device and the "Thing o matic" builds it in 3 D!
Do you know what this means? You could create any chair, any design, in any color you want!

Now can I get my silver wire chairs?

The inventor calls it the democratiziation of manufacturing.
You know all the times we wish we had a miniaturizing machine. It's here!
(It is too expensive now, but just imagine in a year or two? Soon... we can all have one!)
Go here to see more: http://wiki.makerbot.com/ CM

Lamps from Modern Mini Houses

2011-01-11T11:13:00.000-08:00

Playing with my toys,

Credits: Sculptural lamps by Modern Mini Houses.
See her site here: http://modernminihouses.blogspot.com/

Other credits: Colette Caco doll, Dwell magazine from minimodernistas, contemporary garden stool. cell phone Delph Miniatures.

GLASS TILE IN THE KITCHEN

2011-01-09T21:57:00.000-08:00

This is my first scene of 2011

This is the tile I chose for my 1/1 kitchen. I love the new horizontal glass tile. I think it looks sleek especially with stainless steel appliances. So it was laying on the table and I just had to make it into a kitchen scene. I am also experimenting with printing a picture of it to paste on the backsplash after these sheets go up on the wall. It looks like that won't be very soon though.

How much do I love this table set?

Credits: PDR kitchen, Minimodernistas table and barrel chairs contemporary french door refrigerator, Rement milk, Mighty World microwave, stainless steel stand, plates and cappucciano maker, Delph espresso maker, placemat from a silpat mat.

What kind of minihouse are you anyway?

2011-01-03T13:06:00.000-08:00

You know those silly blog tests? Like, "Which Jane Austen character are you"? ( ok, I actually love them...)

Well, I made one up. Let me know if anyone else has done this.

Answer the 5 following questions, and give yourself points accrued.
1, for the first answer, 2 the second and so on.

1. What is you favorite chair:
Eames Lounger
Rietveld chair
Fainting couch
Chippendale chair
reed mat

2.What is your favorite music:
Beonce and Lady Gaga, Telephone
Sinatra, The way you wear your hat.
Strauss, Blue Danube
Beethoven, Moonlight Sonata (thank you Pubdoll)
fife and drum

3. What artwork do you like best?
Keith Haring
Arshile Gorky
Manet
Gainsborough
Cave paintings

4. What Disney Heroine are you?
Rupunzel from Tangled
Tiana
Belle
Tinkerbelle
Sleeping Beauty

5.Which meal do you prefer?
miso soup and sushi
Cheese burger and fries
pasta bolognese
turkey and mashed potatoes
Prime rib and Yorkshire pudding

Answer Key:

5-9 Modern

10-14 Puppenstuben, retro (from http://www.puppenhausmuseum.de/puppenhaeuser-50er-11.html )

15-17 Traditional

18 Victorian

19-25 Antique

So, it turns out that I am Tiana sitting in an Eames chair, eating sushi, listening to Sinatra, gazing at Keith Haring.

Ha ha! let me know if you are who you think you are? ; ) C

Update: Sorry Rebecca, I had to change the order of the foods. Not to stereotype you, but are you the Yorkshire pudding sort?

update: chatting on the phone with Doris Nathanson, surprise, surprise she's modern! C

Best of 2010

2010-12-30T05:32:00.000-08:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cjtgsm/sets/72157625706028734/ See if this leads you to my flickr set.

You KNOW I'm still learning.

Well... all the news shows are doing the Best of 2010 so why not here too?
Oh oh, they are also doing the worst of. Think I'll just skip that. (Ruh roh, a couple are too grainy and now I don't know how to delete them from the set! It is hard to tell who's who from the thumbnails.)

What am I doing up this early? Someone down the canyon's car alarm went off. I am going to pretend it is a nurse going into work, a great and dilligent humanist, rather than a car burglery (is there spell check on blogging?)

Goodbye 2010
and, Here's to the Best of New Years! C

I need a new house

2010-12-26T09:36:00.000-08:00

This is by Magis, the Metoo kids, Villa Julia. It is 47 x 53 x 63 inches wide. It comes with stickers to decorate too. Click here to see more http://2modern.com/designer/magis/Magis-Metoo-Villa-Julia.

Oh no Mrs. Santa is missing!

2010-12-23T09:38:00.000-08:00

Santa is resting up for the big night, but where is Mrs. Santa? My little assistant (my 4 yr old Granddaughter) was over yesterday playing with them in the Victorian house. She LOVES them. But what happened to Mrs. Santa? I have searched high and low and she is no where to be found. I should have frisked the little assistant before I drove her home. I am not kidding, there isn't time to order a new doll. What if Santa doesn't wake up in time for Christmas Eve. Will there be no Christmas this year? Ha! If I told my litle assistant that she'd burst into tears! I better go look some more! C

Credits: Minimodernista bed and lights, strombecker side table, Gerlach brass vase, notecard rug, Andy Allan chair, antique crocheted afgan.MH1 by Wes Christiansen

Update: So I told my elder assistant and in between talking to and texting her fiance and talking about brides maid dresses ad nauseum, she pointed out maybe I should look harder.

The bed is lumpy. I pull back the covers, It's Mrs. Santa!

Whoa someone's grumpy! Get the coffee on!

Minutes later... Oh Santa!

"Your mochachino latte is ready!" Whew! That was close.

Mrs Santa has a PDR kitchen, she can have anything right, so only the best for her. Expresso machine by delph miniatures, French door refrigerator contemporary, unknown manufacturer, silver coffee maker, blender and microwave by mighty world, refrigerator drawing by my little assistant, milk, rement?
Later that day:

She's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaack! She said to me "Nana, why are these things so wobbly?"

I must say doll houses are good babysitters. We are having a staff party today! My elder assistant wants you to notice the BLING!

Um credits: DDR German sidetable, cheap Santa, Bozart people, Minimodernista bed, contemporary Christmas tree, Michaels plastic wreath placed on top of a beautiful vintage strombecker lamp. etc.

My New Year Fantasy: Photo project

2010-12-19T11:18:00.000-08:00

So here is my ultimate dream scene. It was provoked by a post by Shopping sherpa, Anna-Marie.
I would take bloggers who know one specific house.

1 Lundy
1 triang
1Gottschalk
1 PDR
1MH1
1 Atriam House
1 K house
1 Oceanview
1Villa Sibi
1 Seablik
1 Lolly's Citadel
Marx?

and plug them in with a mini blogger. Anina, Nicola of Puppenlochen (sp?), CallSmall, ModernMC, Shopping Sherpa, Pubdoll, Amy, Susan, MiniDork, Rebecca, Oese (glass house?) Me,(MH1) ModernMC, Petite Noveau (Emerson) etc. and do a photo
play.
Oh by holiday, style whatever, hard core design, effusive light and see how each artist interprets the idea in a house they own and are familiar with.

If it were done quarterly it could draw in the mini bloggers who are busy with young children, and new bloggers with a small collection and inspire those of us with time to burn. It would be a uniting mini blogger event! What do you think?

Update: From your emails. Ha ha Oese! No one can understand me in English either!!
Anna Marie: Like a Tour de force of photographs from mini modern bloggers.
Something reflecting this school of thought which is happening right now. I like your idea of a calendar.

Maybe a virtual home tour for charity. I don't know any ideas?? C
C

"What do you MEAN you won't fit?"

2010-12-18T16:39:00.000-08:00

Old Santa in a new style house.