Wednesday 10 June 2015

House and Garden: the end

"Strangers and pilgrims on the earth... seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God for he hath prepared for them a city" 
 Letter to the Hebrews quoted from the Bible, and the opening paragraph from the novel 
                                            GREEN DOLPHIN STREET 
Part 1: MARIANNE.... 


The story of this doll's house has been a long, round-about  journey.  It started by my trying to capture the kinship that I have always felt toward Marinane Patourel, the main character of the book Green Dolphin Street.  
In the story she ages from a practical, headstrong, manipulating, determined, very intelligent young girl to a proud, bossy, self-motivated, single-minded, manipulating but frustrated old woman who(among other things) fights against the  prescribed life of a Victorian woman living in a man's world; and wins!
It came with a price.
However there were times in her life when she made a conscious effort to take her hand off of the rudder to "Let Go and Let God".  Her road to redemption was a difficult battle and she loses much along the way only to find that what she had been scratching and clawing for was there waiting to come to her could she but lay aside her constant planning and scheming, to receive it. Her obstinacy and strength of character is what I love most about her, as well as her resourcefulness in knowing her own worth.  
Originally,I had the idea that I could harness some of her story into this Arthur dollhouse kit and interpret the love I have for this woman's journey, into miniature.
But somewhere along the way, the house took on a life of its own. And although I may have begun this project with Marianne in mind, the house decided that it had its own story to tell. 

Beginning with the post "Poor Arthur" this project has had almost as many obstacles and set-backs as Marianne encountered. You can still read about them if you haven't done so already, but I want to conclude this tale so I shall try now to be as brief as possible.

   After working and re-working the interior of the cottage at #43, I needed to finish the garden in time for its entry into the West Coast Miniature Show which was held this past Sunday, June 8th.   
Now that the show is over and today with the beautiful weather, I took the cottage outside to take pictures of the mini garden in the sunshine of my REAL Life Garden.  Some of the photos are not as sharp as I wanted but you can still see everything there is to see.   I hope that you will enjoy my efforts and my quick review of the finished house and garden of 
#43 Green Dolphin Street. 

The Garden


I am going to begin the tour with
"THE THIRD SIDE"
(the left wall of the cottage)
because that is the one side I have never posted about.  This is because of some problems that I encountered as I was building it which caused me to stop work and then pick it back up again several weeks later.  By then I had a better understanding of what I needed to do and so here goes... 


The first thing that I did was to build out the chimney. The shape was cut from doubled pink foam board insulation.  I secured it to the side of the house after I had sealed off the electrical connections with masking tape and glue.  Then using torn pieces of egg carton and heavy pressed paper, I layered the stone shapes onto the chimney building up the texture until I was satisfied and then carrying it over onto the walls on either side.  The finished stone was then coated with wood glue to seal it.  When it was dry the entire surface was coated with drywall putty and smoothed out with a dry (not wet) sponge, and painted and aged over and over and over....  
When that was done, the development of the garden of the 3rd side could begin.  
I made a drain and a water tap which sits in the corner of the chimney.  Above the drain I needed to add a light so I modified an cheap lantern that I had, so that it wouldn't be so dark.  I affixed a piece of plastic "iron" railing to the stone and used it to hang garden tools.  There is very little room back here however I did want it to look like it was used  regularly, so I placed a short  row of juniper trees at the end of this stretch, along with some flower pots of spilled soil, a garden hose, a potted shrub, a garden fork, a hosta and a 
wheel barrow. 
Here are the pots and the hose
and the tap over the drain which holds "standing water" a few "inches" below the grate. 
The climbing plant was made of 4 fake Christmas gift embellishments ( found at the dollar store), which I twisted together and glued and pressed onto the surface of the chimney.  
I wanted something without flowers because there was so much going on at the front of the house that any more color would be too much!  I have to say that I am very happy with the look of it! I even made two spider webs that are strung within the foliage. 


The climbing plant winds it way right up to the bathroom window.  I added a guard rail for the protection of the items resting on the window sill.
The metal arbor (which was a cut-down metal basket, 
(courtesy of my friend Dave, (a.k.a. "Super Dave!") which was then spray-painted black), is covered with a clematis vine and perched amid its blossoms is a pretty little yellow bird which was a gift from my dear friend
Bettie Smith. 
On the garden path under the arbor, grows self-seeding campanula
Gazing down the left side, is the view from the front of the garden looking towards the back. and featuring a birdbath from Bettie Smith
The front left corner of the garden
The reworked climbing rose entwined with purple clematis, towers over the parlor window.

One of the most difficult things to make for this cottage was a believable looking lawn.  After removing the paving stones which I had already installed (see Studio E: "Night Gardening"),
 I replaced them with grass which I felt was more "English" looking.  The lawn was made with a number of different techniques using railroad model materials and flocking that I kept adding to and subtracting from until I got this.
 There is not a lot of lawn; but there is enough! 
 

 This is the long view of the front garden which growing against the old cement supporting wall.  There is a mix of campanula, silver grasses, hosta, chives, lilies, iris, and Fatima's fabulous, fat and fragrant white peonies are at the far end of the row!
Foxgloves were made from preserved heather
Under the parlor window grow, white daisies, euphorbia 
(the Miniature Garden kit),
 foxglove and Japanese Berberis, chives, heather, with a holly tree to the far right.
Daisies are from both real dried flowers and from paper and 
if you look closely you will see a tiny bee on one of them!
Another overview of the left side of the garden in dappled shade
and below, in the sun! 
 Outside the garden wall, you will see a large patch of Russian sage, a few allium,  a large New Zealand Flax, a clematis cascading through the old metal rail and over the warm stone and some orange day lilies just under the birdbath. The bird bath is shaded by a small tree which protects a tiny wren splashing about in a puddle of water. 
As I was taking photos of this section of the front garden, I tiny hover fly zipped up and out of the flowers of my Real Campanulas, blooming close by, and seriously checked out my Faux Clematis, spilling over the mini garden wall. 
For me- There could be no greater compliment than THAT!
Russian sage
New Zealand Flax and day lilies
And my mini Iris flowers which are nearly done, were preserved from Real life Fading Spanish Bluebells.  I think that they represent dying iris stems quite well, don't you? 





THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRONT GARDEN

The right side of the garden was amended too!
I decided to install a stone seat for my bee skep to rest upon right under the kitchen window and I moved the red rose from its original position which had been next to the front door, over to the corner of my new stone wall.  My daughter Sam later said to me,
" I guess that means that the lady will never get to open her kitchen window will she? Because in will come the bees!" 
I suppose that would be true.  But I like the skep better where it is now than where it use to be located.  So There... Sam, the kitchen will always be stuffy!   
I made the white viburnum to drape over the stone seat and creep up under the red rose. I moved the tall evergreen cedar that use to be positioned by the front gate, next to the front door.  Blue delphinium are sandwiched between the cedar and the stone seat and the last of the Bugleweed is still going strong at it's feet. 
Along the front retaining wall grows dill, Allium, bee balm, yarrow, peonies, Love- in- a- mist, and annual geraniums.
The bee balm with a Monarch butterfly
I wish that I could remember the name of this palm- like plant but I don't.  It grow in my Real Life Garden and it is HUGE!  
Fortunately it is still of a manageable size for this mini garden.
Allium and Yarrow in the foreground and at the front door is  an iron urn of Purple Heart to the left of the cedar
 An aerial view which shows my Seattle Show garden trug filled with cut peonies, garden shears, and a seed packet.  An old folding metal garden chair, hosts a vintage sprayer,  a garden fork and a seedling plant in a small pot
This view shows a purple flowering grass, a miniature rose,  New Zealand Flax, and marigolds.  
It was with a nod to the book Green Dolphin Street that I decided to add the New Zealand Flax which pays tribute to the adventure of  Marianne and her husband William as early pioneers of that untamed land. 
A view of the red geraniums, Love-in-a-mist, pink Peonies and a iron urn situated in the center of it all, filled with  more Purple Heart 
The RIGHT WAll OF THE GARDEN

 I made a low stone side wall for the garden so that I could contain it.
Of course, then the neighborhood Cat, must use it for prowling about on!  I certainly hope that he is not looking for 
Mr. Rabbit!!!?
This is the first side of the house that I began the stonework on well over a year ago, but wouldn't you know I ended having to redo it, so that the FIRST SIDE became the LAST SIDE!  The reason was because having left such a long gap between completing each wall, they all looked different from each other.  So the front of the house and the First side were given a make-over at the same time that I was doing the 3rd side of the cottage.   When the right side was ready again, I built out a  small stone wall using styrofoam and masking tape covered with egg carton stone and lots of sand and wall putty.  Then I  made a "tin" planter box which I filled with flowers to dress the small side window, I fashioned a juniper hedge for additional wall cover, plus another climbing plant to scale the wall, as well as the weeds to dress the base of the house.  Lastly I installed the gas meter and added the rabbit.
The right side of the house with the red rose to the left of the window box
the gas meter and a cautious Mr. Rabbit
I made a climbing plant to creep up the wall and around the upstairs hall window so that it would draw the eye and  frame the Beautiful rose painting by Catherine 
( Ninette and co. blog). 
 She had painted this Beautiful little masterpiece especially for
 #43 Green Dolphin Street!  
Thank You once again Catherine! :D
See how the vine frames the window and Catherine's Rose painting! 


Up on The Roof
A number of people at the West Coast Miniature Show asked me about how I made the roof shingles.  I referred them back to my blog post "IN OVER MY HEAD & my mis-adventures with drainage" but it was gratifying that what I had thought were my "poor man's tiles" were so greatly appreciated! Anyway, the chimney stack was made after the rest of the chimney had been installed so that I could line it up properly to make it look like it was all a single unit.  It too, is doubled pink insulation board wrapped with masking tape and coated with wood glue and more paper stone.  I coated the surface with wall putty and more glue and more paint.  I aged it and made the top to support two ceramic smoke stacks which were salvaged from old knob and tube wiring from a home renovation done in the late1980's.  I made the billows of  smoke with cotton stained with black gel paint and hair spray to stiffen it and placed seagulls on the chimney and flying over head.  My friend Dave said that I should have lots of bird droppings on the slate tiles because this house is suppose to be close to the sea.  I obliged but I kinda went overboard.  Then my daughter told me that there was TOO MUCH POOP on the roof!!!! 
hmmm?
So then I had to try and paint most of the poop out again.
You can get a better look at some of what is left of the bird droppings in the photos below  



And Just for fun I added a Weather Vane, because I have had it for YEARS AND YEARS and I was tired of repetedly moving and losing it. 
So that concludes the entire exterior tour of the cottage 
BUT 
there is still more to come.... because 
although I was NOT going to bore you with yet another trip inside the house, I've decided that this would be 
the LAST FAREWELL.  
I have made a few adjustment inside which you might as well
see before I put this house away. 

The PARLOR


Janine's (Minworks blog) orange roses, still grace the tea table
and Catherine's (Ninette and co. blog) gift of the lovely glazed lidded jar is displayed under the light of table lamp on the writing desk and everything still looks much the same except for the adjustment to the length of the bookshelf.
  I removed the lower drawers from the shelf which shaved off a good half inch.
It just looked too long above Fatima's vintage radio and I didn't need the drawers anymore. Now the shelf is visually balanced with both the radio and the sewing chest.


IN THE KITCHEN
I received LOTS of positive feedback at the West Coast Miniature Show about this cottage kitchen.  In the kitchen I have changed the curtains to two cotton panels with a ruffled valance which is consistent with the parlor and the bed and bathroom fabric treatments.  It still astounds me just how much stuff I managed to incorporate into this tiny interior. 
Personally, I can't say enough about Faima's Beauminis onions and garlic ropes and Linda Park's ( Linda's Mini World blog) gift of the sexy black nylons that look Perfect hanging over the kitchen clothes line ! 
Thank You Ladies! :D


And Jane Smith's (Minifanticus blog)  basket of wild mushrooms came my way through a mini trade, and now sit by the old gas stove. Under the sink is a bucket with Linda Park's  yellow rubber washing up gloves inside.

"The SUICIDE STAIRS"

so christened by Marisa (Steinworks blog)
and the nickname has stuck!
hahahha! Thanks Marisa!!!! :D 


                       THE BEDCHAMBER
In the bedroom the central overhead light stopped working!?
 BUT WHY?!!!!
I was not very "happy about that" and it was only a week before The Show! 
SO, Rather than tearing everything apart, I ordered an LED picture light for the bed enclosure,  from
VICTORIA MINILAND
Super fast service and they pre-tested the lamp before they sent it to me, which I Really Appreciated! 

It installs with a thin magnet glued to the wall.   Then you flick the switch and
 Voila!!! Let there be Light! :D


The BATHROOM

Jonquil's wonderful hand-embroidered Laundry bags hangs from the bathroom door
 and below is the laundry bag with a surprise gift from a dear lady named Dena who came up from Seattle for The Vancouver Show.  She and I have been corresponding for the last 2 years about our love for Jesus, our families and of course, about miniatures. 
It was such a pleasure to meet her in person and she blessed me with a number of tiny treasures among which was the perfect little shower cap which I immediately installed on the bathroom door during the show.  The shower cap is actually sewn with elastic thread and stretches open! 
Here though, is what I found the most interesting.  On Saturday, the day before the show, I was driving to pick up the last of the things I needed for the show, i.e. more receipts books, a float etc. and as I was driving it flashed into my head that I should have a shower cap for the bathroom door. 
However, I later forgot all about it as I was so far behind and I was far too busy, just trying to get everything else finished before Sunday morning dawned.
Then I meet Dena at the show and she gives me this lovely little treasure, out of the blue! 
God works in mysterious ways!

Thank You Very Much Dena! 
:D




During an earlier get-together at Janine's house last month, I was presented with another little gift from Linda Park, this special little china bird!  
(I have a thing for china birds and I bought one while at the West Coast show) 
This one looks content perched on the vanity shelf over the bathroom toilet.
It is so nice to have friends both near and far that helped to contribute to the completion of this english cottage.

Janine's lace bra still hangs over the edge of the vintage sink, sharing the space with 2 tiny bottles of Chanel # 5, the eau de parfum and the eau de toilette, which I made a number of years ago.


This wonderful little pot of African Violets came from
Bren's Miniature Pottery
and the soap box was a gift from Norma of

 Make Mine Mini blog 
via Linda Park 
Again a Big Hug to you all!
There were so many Wonderful contributions from different people from all over the world, during the 2 1/2 years of construction and destruction.  Most of which will always remain unseen because it was through the constant ENCOURAGEMENT and the ENTHUSIASM that has come to me via your comments and observations about the progression of this house.  I can't THANK ALL OF YOU ENOUGH for your feedback!   
I like to think of this as a home that all of you are 
WELCOMED INTO 
at any time. 
And I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Fabulous works of some miniaturist that also became a part of this cottage.  I haven't included the photos of their work here but they can be easily discovered in past Green Dolphin Street posts.

Magda of 17-17 blog  sent me a Metronome which I won from her Giveaway which now sits on the sideboard in the parlor.
Jennifer of Plushpussycat sent me a heart-shaped cookie cutter (among many other yummy things) which also were part of her blog Giveaway that I won, and it is in the kitchen in a bowl sitting on the scale. 
Incredible Needlepoint cushions  in the parlor are from my 
dear friend Pamela Grant, 
with whom I got another opportunity to chat with during the show!
Thank You Pam for these Valued Treasures!
And Janine's husband Bruce who still gives me pointers and critiques my photos, which always means so much to me.
In conclusion:
This house and garden was a roller coaster ride of ups and downs 
But
  I wouldn't trade a minute of it!
 And I've learned a lot of new techniques along the way, which is always a good thing, and I am "happy about that!" :D
 I hope that you have enjoyed this Grand Finale posting of...
#43 Green Dolphin Street
***
"Now there's absolute truth between the three of us, William. And as perfect love as there can be on this earth. And forgiveness. For you have forgiven me, haven't you William? 
"Forgiven you?"  bellowed William.
Again she peeped up at him and saw his tawny eyes blazing with love ... for her.
She had got him at last. The triumph of it! Oh the triumph of it! Now at last they were going to experience together the fairyland of mutual love that she had always longed for. Oh, the triumph of it!"
***
I leave behind this story that inspired my doll's house, and like Marianne I am also looking forward to experiencing a new and different fairyland.
 "And I shall never be proud again, William," she whispered brokenly yet proudly in his arms. "Never, never again."
There was a derisive squawk from the birdcage hanging in the window. 
"Oh my!" ejaculated Old Nick in mocking tones. And then, very doubtfully indeed, 

"Oh my?"

the end

elizabeth

































101 comments:

  1. Blown away! Simply amazing and stunning. My mind is in overload with inspiration. I needed some. No pressure, but I'm excited to see the next project unfold!!!

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    1. Hi Kat! Thank You Very Much! :D I must say that I was Very Happy about the ribbon but even More So about getting this house completed for the Show on time and the way that I wanted it to look.
      And not to worry, the next project is coming REAL SOON!:D

      elizabeth

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  2. Truly, truly perfect! Thanks for sharing your wonderful magical cottage and exquisite garden that is so realistic and natural looking. Now I'm going to look at all the photos again...and again!

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    1. Hi Robin! :D What a lovely compliment Thank You So Much! I had my work cut out for me with this garden, that is for sure. But what has surprised me over and over is the quantity of plants that are in it! I never would have guessed that it could hold as many as it does. Thank you for saying that it looks "natural" because that was ALWAYS my main objective for each side of this garden.:D

      elizabeth

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    2. Dear Elizabeth, I entirely agree with Robin that your cottage is magical, and the garden very natural, this is place from dream but real! all corners are so cute and I have a feeling, that each has little secret.
      As well, you have great photographic skills and you take beautiful pictures. Thank you so much Elizabeth, and heartfelt congratulations on your Ribbon! ( honestly telling - it's most beautiful cottage I ever seen, so not a surprise that it was crowned)

      Big hugs :-)
      Magda

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    3. Hello Magda! I am soooo sorry that, until now, I had missed your comment, but Thank You for your wonderful compliments and also for your personal contribution! When the house was displayed at the show, the little metronome was commented on by a lady who lingered a long time over the parlor. It is those little details that people can relate to personally that they remark upon and so I imagine that she knew something about music. :))
      Taking the photos outside was a great pleasure. I was told once that
      "sunlight is always in scale" and seeing the way it lit up the little garden to bring the flowers to life, confirmed it. Taking the photos was a joy because of the sun and shadows which kept changing the atmosphere surrounding the various plants.
      I am so very happy that you have enjoyed the photos as well as the cottage, Magda and, like Robin, for calling it "magical". I still feel when I look at this little house that I am transported back in time, to a place that I have never been, but where everything is spiritually familiar! :D

      elizabeth

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  3. OMG! I knew it, I just knew you would win. Oooooooh congratulations! I am so thrilled for you.

    I adore this house. It is a real labor of love. Which you can see in every aspect of it. I have never seen such a GORGEOUS garden in miniature. I can't imagine that there will ever be one that can begin to compare with it.

    I am so happy to see that blue ribbon!!!

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    1. Thank You So Much for having so much your faith in me and my house Catherine! :D I have to add that Janine's house and mine were neck and neck in the public vote, which I found difficult because I LOVE her house! Ours are both so different in both style and content. Hers is more quietly formal and mine more casual and in disrepair.
      But I am so glad that you like the rest of the garden Catherine. I can't imagine that I shall attempt to tackle a project as intense as this one for quite a long while. So Please Enjoy and again Thank You! :D

      elizabeth

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    2. I can see that it was a very intense project. I cannot imagine how many hundreds of hours went into the garden alone. Just the number of trips to buy supplies constantly adds up to a staggering amount of hours. You always find there is something else you need or have run out of.

      I had no idea that you and your good friend Janine were both in this 'run for the roses'. Her house is gorgeous. I am sure it was a tough decision for the judges.

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    3. Yes! I was always looking to up-grade what I had already done to try and make it better so the search for newer or interesting materials was Constant!
      And I ran out of glue so many times that it wasn't funny! There is particular glue that works The BEST for plastic flowers called FLORA BOND and I bought mine in the U.S. on a trip awhile back and when I started to run out of it I tried to order it on-line but they wouldn't ship to Canada and then I went to try to buy it in person and the store was closed on the day that I went! ARRRG! :/ quite annoying
      Being in the same 'run for the roses' as Janine was the toughest. She is one of my dearest and closest friends and we have been friends for decades! It was difficult for me because I am by nature Very Competitive even though it is usually in a rather lazy kind of way.:))
      Janine won a FIRST PLACE BLUE RIBBON! at the West Coast Miniature Show AND her house receive just as much attention as my cottage.
      Not only that, but the Style of her work throughout her FRENCH HOUSE is Truly MAGNIFICENT and in the end, there was only a Very Little Gap after the final count, in the number of votes between her French House and mine. :D

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  4. Wow Elizabeth!!! I guess you can now say that all that work, mistakes, sweat and tears was all worth for this stunning result. The details only add to the realistic feel of the garden and I'm sure many people would have problems in recognising your mini garden as such. You really did a magnificent job outside and in. I had admired the inside in many other occasions, blogposts, and I'm never tired of saying that I'm mesmerised by the all thing and by the amount of work that went into it. You could have not achieved a better result than the one you got....simply stunning!!!! "Best in show" as the rosette says!!!!! Hugs Elizabeth!!!!

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    1. Your comments Always mean a lot to me Simona! I am learning that it is best to try and roll with my mistakes because they are Always there! If I take the time to think of a solution rather than PANIC, they eventually get resolved. Janine is a Terrific example of this attitude. Which is why She, Fatima and I are such good friends, because we each have a different approach to problem solving and I have to admit that both of them are far better at it than I :D
      But Thank You for your Very Generous comment, Simona :D

      elizabeth

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  5. Not a surprise that it was crowned "Best in Show." What a gorgeous piece of art you've created with a lot of ingenuity, bits and bobs, and a few special pieces from special friends. Congratulations!!!!!!! xo Jennifer

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    1. Hi Jennifer! I Thank You Very Much for the compliment of calling it "Art"! How Wonderful!!!! You are right in saying that a lot of ingenuity went into the house but it was those Special Additions from people like YOU, that help to round out the rough spots and make it truly feel like A HOME! :D

      elizabeth

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  6. I am going to keep this short and sweet because you are going to get a million comments because this is so fantastic. Actually, I will use just one word - STUNNING!!!!!!!!
    Love this project!
    Big hugs to you Elizabeth. Congratulations!!!!

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    1. Hi There Sam of the Sweeter Tooth! :D Thank You Very Much for all of your praise. I am so glad that you have loved this project because there were several times when all I wanted to do was Drop-kick it to the curb!!!! However, knowing that others were cheering me on helped to get me motivated and to stay on track. And the right words at the right time are Always most Welcomed! :D

      elizabeth


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  7. Gestation and birthing this little baby was at times tough but the post partum glow shines on every tiny detail. I've felt your pain and frustration as you've shared along the way. Congratulations!

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    1. Thank You Very Much Susan and you are so Right! The rewards far outweigh all of the frustrating days and nights that often made me want to pull out my hair and throw the baby out with the bath water! Funny though, that now that it is all over, it doesn't seem so labor intensive in hindsight and the time Flew By! If it wasn't for my chronicling of the entire process through the blog, I probably wouldn't be able to recall much of the experience either good or bad!

      elizabeth :D

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  8. Dear Elizabeth....what a wonderful ending to your masterpiece! I ditto everything that everyone has said here so far and all that will be said in the future. Your pictures in the sun have given Arthur exactly what it needed before you put it on the shelf. Your photography has also greatly improved. Great job on the pics. Thank you again. Love love love!!!

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  9. HI FATS!!!! :D Boy am I HAPPY or What!???? :D Thank You for giving me the opportunity and the encouragement to get this house finished in time for the West Coast Miniature Show and ESPECIALLY for all of the hard work in getting the show so well Organized and Coordinated, so that it slid along as smooth as butter on a hot griddle! :D The club did such a great job but it was due to your Terrific Networking Skills that the energy in the room could be felt as soon as one entered the room! WOW Fats! - Take a Bow! :D

    elizabeth

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  10. Hi Elizabeth,
    What a wonderful post. The outside light has shown the garden and house to perfection.
    I see so many different things in your house each time I see it.
    The visitors to the Show were amazed and fascinated by Green Dolphin Street and Best In Show was well deserved.
    What a great day it turned out to be and I am happy about that!
    ( happy or not happy about that is one of my Granddaughter's favourite sayings at present She is now three years old.) Elizabeth and I often say it with the serious tone of a three year old.
    Janine

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    1. Hi Janine!!!! :D Thank You So Much!!!! I am Delighted that you have enjoyed this Final Post about the cottage. Photographing it in the sunlight was a new challenge but it does make a great difference when viewing the garden. I kept remembering how Bruce took those photos of AT HOME BY THE SEA and I tried to apply what I remembered :)) I recall something that I once read re: taking photos of miniatures outside and it was that SUNLIGHT is ALWAYS IN SCALE. :)
      I had a MARVELOUS time at the Show and I think that Fatima organized it so well and the entire day was a pleasure. As you know, I couldn't have done it without your help and assistance when it came to helping me get my table organized. I was a basket case when I arrived and it was through Bruce
      ( your "trusty man") and Your expert help that I was able to calm down and get things set up.
      Indeed, I AM VERY GRATEFUL ABOUT THAT! :D

      CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR BLUE RIBBON Janine!
      Your French House was SO BEAUTIFUL and EQUALLY as FASCINATING to all that had the pleasure of viewing it!

      Now I am committed to cleaning up my workspace because it looks just like a bomb went off in it, and I say this without any exaggeration. Also my real garden suffers from long-term neglect so that it needs a good clean up prior to our next Miniteers Meeting this month. That is where we all get to share in Show and Tell- me, you, Linda and Fats about all of the wonderful things that we saw, and all the goodies that we bought while at the show.
      And of course we'll.. EAT!
      and "I'm HAPPY about that!"
      elizabeth

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  11. Toutes mes félicitations Elizabeth pour le prix obtenu, il est amplement mérité !
    J'ai beaucoup aimé suivre la réalisation de ce superbe cottage et de l'extraordinaire jardin.
    Que de soucis et de problèmes résolus pour en en arriver à cette magnifique réalisation ! Il ne manque que les sons, tels les bruissements des insectes et autres animaux, le chant d'oiseaux ... et manque aussi le parfum des fleurs et des plantes ... Un jardin extraordinaire, où je reviendrai encore et encore me promener !
    Bisous. Joce

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    1. Thank You Joce, for your Wonderful words of Praise! :D I am so happy that you have taken a walk about the garden.:))
      Believe it or not, a number of months ago, I found a bird ornament at the thrift store that chirps when the motion sensor is activated. I was going to try and install the recording onto the house, but after listening to the same chirp over and over and over again, I was ready to SHOOT THAT BIRD, so I decided against installing that soundtrack although I think that your suggestions of gentle hum of bees and insects and the OCCASIONAL bird song might be more pleasing to listen to :)) I shall continue to keep my ears open for "garden sounds" because I think it is a good idea, meanwhile thank you for enjoying the garden! :D

      elizabeth

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  12. oh my god! I thought it was real! Great, Elizabeth, an amazing job! congratulations, you deserve this prize, of course!
    A big hugs ;0)

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    1. Thank You Monica and what a Terrific Compliment! My aim Always, is to try and make it look as Real as I can, within my capabilities. I am Delighted that you think I have succeeded! :D

      elizabeth

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  13. Congratulations! Absolutely the Best! I love the garden. It*s like a dream!

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    1. Thank You Merja! :D This "dream" was a Big Headache more times than you can know, but in the end result has Really made me HAPPY!:D

      elizabeth

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  14. quel grand plaisir, Elizabeth de se promener dans votre jardin, si réaliste et en même temps si onirique
    tous les détails sont bien étudiés, c'est un formidable travail : bravo
    et l'intérieur de la maison est du même calme paisible : quel bel ensemble

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    1. Good Morning Claude! I am Very Pleased that you have enjoyed my garden, Thank You! :)) I love that word "Dreamy". But I do believe that the credit there has to go to the Sun.
      Taking the photos outside with all of the variations of light and shadow, gave the garden an etherial quality that I have couldn't achieve indoors! :D

      elizabeth

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  15. Comme le dit si bien Rosethé c'était un grand plaisir de suivre la création de cette maison et de son fabuleux jardin. J'aime passer de long moment à détailler vos photos à la recherche du petit détail si essentiel telle une toile d'araignée, un papillon, une abeille, un objet minuscule posé négligemment ici ou là,...
    Votre chalet et son jardin mérite tous les premier prix du monde ;-)
    Je suis ravi de savoir qu'un nouveau projet est en route.
    Bonne continuation.

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    1. Hello Jean-Claude! Thank You!!!! Much of the pleasure of building this garden was inserting the tiny details that can only be accidently discovered, such as the tiny bee and the spider webs. The joy is seeing other people's faces as they do! :D

      elizabeth

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  16. Good day Lady Elizabeth,
    I cannot think of a more beautiful, inspirational way to start my day. The garden and the exterior of the house are just wonderful. The time and energy you put into each detail is incredible! The chimney really did come out fantastic and I loved the window guard. It is such a great and interesting detail. Your mini gardening skills are just incredible. I don't think I would take on making miniature plants and flowers like that. They are all magnificent, but I musts ay the foxgloves and the campanula are the ones I love most. Oh, and the climbing vines, both of them, are the perfect touch to the cottage. I love, love, love everything and wish I could spend a holiday there...yes, even in the smaller kitchen! Congratulations my dear friend. It is stunning work. I love the bunny!
    Big hug,
    Giac

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    1. Thank You Sir Giac for your compliment regarding the chimney! :D It was a concern because it had to not only covers all of the electrical connections but I also needed to work the structure around the bathroom window. Trying to decide how best to do both took some thought. The window guard was added because I KNOW ME and I could see that plant being accidently knocked over and then CRASHING to the ground! :((
      The plants themselves were fun but I must admit that I had NO IDEA that I would be making as many as I did. The English Cottage Style of gardening seems to demand a more casual planting scheme with lots of self-seeders in the mix. In truth though, I should have more flowering shrubs and less plants, many of which are "growing too soon" or have "stayed too late"! :O
      A Big Hug Back!

      elizabeth

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  17. Magnifique jardin , un prix mérité.

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    1. Thank You So Very Much Catherine!:D I am Thrilled that you like my Garden because I have been a Great Admirer of YOUR miniature cottage garden which is filled not only with Flowers but also with your Cats! :D

      elizabeth

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  18. Congratulations, Elizabeth! I am not at all surprised that you won "Best In Show." Your work is amazing - and I was overwhelmed by the perfection of the garden. (Your knowledge of all the plants is overwhelming as well!) I am completely in awe of the beautiful stonework on the house and chimney; very inspiring. The detail of the interior is incredibly lifelike; it's ready to move into, and I so wish that I could be the occupant.

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    1. Hi Marjorie! Thank You Very Much and although I do have some knowledge of plants, I can't claim that what you see are duplicates of any of them. I chose to go with more of a representational approach, because I am by nature, rather lazy. So long as it looks close to what it was supposed to be then that was good enough for me! :))
      The stonework was a result of reading many of the Tutorials that are on the internet and then modifying them to suit. The Victoria Miniland tutorial on making egg carton stonework was one that I used as referral but I found that after applying a first layer, that going over the stones with yet another layer to make bulkier or smoother stones, gave more texture and added more interest.
      I am so glad that you like the final effect. I have been enjoying seeing the results of the stonework that You have been achieving too! It is such a treat to be able to see how each of us problem solve according to our various projects. And....I think that is what keeps Blogging Alive! :D

      elizabeth

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  19. Oh my... this was an overflow of beauty, inspiration and eyecandy... what a project! And it was a great idea to move it outside to take the pictures of the garden - everything looked so real... no surprise that this bee was attracted by your beautiful garden. And you even made me smile with the third side... I think every garden has such a side or corner to keep the gardening stuff and old pots etc... Wonderful work, thanks for the tour - and congrats for that rosette at the last picture... well-deserved.

    Greetings
    Birgit

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    1. Thank You Birgit!!! :D You Always say the nicest things!:D Yes, the little bitty hover fly was quite puzzled as I watched her trying to decide whether or not to take a chance on the trailing clematis :))
      It was nice to fool Mother Nature even for only those few seconds! :D
      I am Pleased as Punch that you like the 3rd side because after I finished it, I Liked it too! It is very narrow but I had tons of fun trying to make it look functional with a somewhat careless approach. :D
      Glad that you have enjoyed the garden tour and do come again! :))

      elizabeth

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  20. Дорогая Элизабет! Я поздравляю вас с заслуженной наградой! Ваш дом самый лучший! Все, до мельчайших деталей, выглядит реально! Все на своих местах. Вы собрали много миниатюр в одно целое. Все гармонично и прекрасно! Дорогой друг, вы очень талантливы.
    Мне немного грустно. Я чувствую, что прочитала до конца интересную книгу. Я не хочу закрывать последнюю страничку... Браво большому художнику!
    Татьяна

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    1. Thank You my Dear Tatiana! I too, feel somewhat sad at having to say "Good Bye" to this house and the garden. I never would have thought that it would have taken as much time to complete as it did. I have made 2 other houses that had more rooms and each one only took a year from start to finish, whereas this 4 room cottage has taken 2 1/2!? I suppose I am getting "pickier" about what I do the older I get! hahahhah Even so, I am glad that this story has had a Happy Ending and for me it has reached a Natural Conclusion.
      Now onto the HBS DENISE KIT! :D

      elizabeth

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  21. Hello Elizabeth, no wonder yo won a Best in Show ribbon! It's fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing. I always like to read about mishaps along the way because that is how things go for me, so I know it's normal :) Also, the garden is wonderful, so many flowers and the bee skep, great details.
    Jenny

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    1. Hi Jenny! I like to share All of what goes wrong as well as what went right because they say that you learn from your mistakes and hopefully from the mistakes of others. :)) This entire project was a bit of a lab experiment from start to finish because much of what I did I was doing for the first time. I have never been a perfectionist so I enjoy most of the lumps and bumps that result from some of my own carelessness. If it looks like it has been used then it is acceptable and "Normal" :D

      elizabeth

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  22. Hi Elizabeth, congratulations on your 'Best in Show' award. The house is phenomenal; it is so nice to see it all bathed in glorious sunlight. I cannot give you a greater compliment than this - it looks like a real life home. Some of the photos actually had me wondering. *applauds*
    =0)X

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    1. Thank You Very Much Pepper!!! :D I agree that the sunshine has made all the difference to the cottage and to the way the garden looks. All of the photos of #43 prior to these, were taken indoors but now I am hooked on actual sunlight- whenever possible. I am anticipating the START of my Denise kit, and I am Totally enjoying how your HBS project is developing Pepper. That wall of windows will enable SCADS of natural sunlight to come pouring in! :))

      elizabeth

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  23. WOOOW, YOU WON, HURRAY!! Congratulations Elisabeth :D!!!
    But that's no wonder, you really have created a perfect, magical and gorgeous cottage, which looks so lifelike, it's also gorgeous photographed in the sunlight.
    Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos of your magical cottage and exquisite garden that is so very realistic and natural looking.
    And now I'm very curious to see your next project ;O!
    Wishing you a nice weekend.
    Hugs, Ilona

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    1. Greetings Ilona and Thank You Very Much for all of your Enthusiasm! :D
      I too, like the photos taken in the sunlight. I tried very hard to make the garden appear "natural looking" and so it pleases me that you think so too!
      Now, onto the Next Project... The HBS Denise kit, which I am getting really excited about starting now that this one is over.

      elizabeth :D

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  24. Como me gustaría ver tu casa en directo. No tengo palabras para expresar lo magnífica que me parece.
    Muchas felicidades por haberla terminado.
    Saludos

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    1. Thank You Eloisa for your lovely comment!!! :D And I am so Happy that you think that this house and garden are "Magnificent".... I feel honored!

      elizabeth :D

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  25. Your house ans its garden are poetry :)
    Claire

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    1. Thank You Claire!!! :D What a Very Nice thing to say!!! It is interesting to get this kind of response to this project because I have been so immersed in it for so long that some of its finer points have escaped me along the way. I am too well acquainted with it you might say, and I didn't see anything other than the next problem to be solved, but I am so glad that you see the poetry in it! :D

      elizabeth

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  26. CONGRATULATIONS!!! Best in show! I'm not surprised in the slightest that you won, I don't even need to see the competition, that garden and exterior is enough to win it. The planting is superb, you've "grown" everything in just the right spot and size, love the lawn, the stonework, the roof, the arbour, the rabbit by the gasmeter, the ledge that the bee skep sits on, even the glass in the window beside the chimney. There are literally thousands of details to see and love. I have to say I love the bird poo idea, that was excellent, and very true to real life too, glad you took that on board :D And if you fooled a hoverfly, then your work is done, it must have been very confused to find itself suddenly so large :D It's a beautiful miniature inside and out, you should be super proud of it Elisabeth, it's a triumph! and it's finished, hoorray says you! Now get a cuppa tea, go put your feet up...and plan the next one! We'll all be here for every step of the way.

    Sarah :)

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    1. I forgot to say, it was also an incredible amount of work and effort, the hours that went into it. Huge pat on the back from me to you! If I was near enough I would come round and make that tea for you myself, and help take notes for the next one!! :D x

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    2. Thank You Sarah and I AM "Super Proud" of it!!!! :D I worked very hard on trying to get it done the way that I envisioned but it was hit or miss in some instances. It was a lesson in learning to accept the things that I cannot change; ie, some of the lighting that went out for no apparent reason just before I finished the garden, after which I then had to come up with a PLAN B. But that is the way Real Life is so why should I expect any different in miniature? :/
      You comments have put a Bigger Smile on my face than my head can hold, and my head is getting Bigger and Bigger with each compliment that I read.... Soon it will EXPLODE!!!!
      So, once again Thank You Sarah, and I hope that you know that Tea is always on the hob for whenever you come visit! :D

      elizabeth

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  27. Es una casa impresionante tanto el exterior como el interior. Se puede mirar una y mil veces porque no te cansas, siempre hay un detalle nuevo que te llama la atención.Es encantadora.

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    1. Greetings Isabel! Thank You for your many compliments about my house! It pleases me So Much that you are impressed by both the interior and the exterior garden. I purposely built it so that there would LOTS to look at and so that each person viewing it could find a new detail that would make the story in their eyes, richer. :))

      elizabeth

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  28. Has hecho un trabajo tan impresionante con esa casa,que es difícil pensar que sea en miniatura,el jardín es lo más bonito y real que he visto nunca en escala 1/12!!! Ya puedes estar orgullosa de tu trabajo,mi más sinceras felicitaciones!!!!!
    Besos.

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    1. Good Morning Pilar! Thank You Very Much for your Wonderful Compliment about the garden looking Real! It was a LONG (and often Difficult ) labor of love for me and I am relieved that it has reached the end. It is Very Gratifying that you are enjoying the garden. That is what makes Me smile the most! :D

      elizabeth

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  29. I love your passion and it shows in this home. It isn't "another doll's house, as the personality of the inhabitants is vividly portrayed. Thanks for sharing your delightful tales of distress and delight. It has been a pleasure to watch the progress. Well done.

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    1. Thank You! :)) I Very Much appreciate your Comment and your Compliment! This house Has been a PASSION with me from beginning to the end, and I am pleased to learn that some of what I have felt, has transmitted itself to you! Thank you for watching the progress of this story right through to the last chapter and... its Happy Ending! :D

      elizabeth

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  30. This is a dollhouse with life, you can really feel that they are people living in it. I'm in awe with your house and the garden. It is really stunning and full of charm.
    Geneviève

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    1. What a Beautiful thing to say Genevieve!!!! :D I can think of nothing that Pleases me more than That, because there really ARE people living in it! Even if they are not in the room while you are looking, their presence is still felt.
      So Thank You Very Much for your Most Welcomed words! :D

      elizabeth

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  31. Dear Elizabeth,
    this is the most beautiful cottage I ever saw. It's breathtaking, magical, wonderful..... and I'd love to live there in real life. Thanks you soooooooooooooo much for sharing your work with us.
    Best wishes
    Andrea

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    1. Thank You So Much Andrea!!! I have been Amazed by how many people have been interested in this cottage over the course of the past 2 1/2 years. When you get a constant flow of energy and encouragement, such as I have experienced through the blog, then it inspires, challenges and motivates me to try and take my work a step further. It makes me Smile when you say you would "like to live there" because that means that it looks like a "home" to you and for me That's what it is All about! :D

      elizabeth

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  32. Hi Elizabeth, This has been one fabulous tour! I loved seeing the 'third side' with the chimney, it looks very quaint. It amazes me just how many varieties of plants and colour you were able to include on the grounds. Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing with us all the little details as if we were there :) And a big congrats on the 'best in show'! Well deserved :D

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    1. Thank You Kristine!!!!:D Thank You for mentioning "The Third Side" because I had talked about it with dread for so long and yet no sooner had I dived into doing it that I had to wonder what took me so long!!!?
      Initially, I had no intention of making this many plants and flowers for the garden, and not all that I made for it, were included. As in Real Life, I got crazy with power and began transplanting them here, there and everywhere! As it "grew" my ideas changed or my techniques improved or both! :))
      Anyway, as time consuming as it was, I am happy in the end and I am Very Proud to have won the Best In Show ribbon and Very Pleased that you like what you see! :D

      elizabeth

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  33. My Dear Elizabeth.... I am Awed by your incredible work!!!! Not only do you make the most amazingly detailed and perfect creations.... then you treat us to blog posts that are works of Art themselves!!! Every single picture is a beautiful vignette with a story to tell... every time we want to climb in and explore... I want to be IN that garden in the sun and dappled shade... any time of day or night.. with bunny and bees buzzing around!!! HOW do you do it??? It is Beyond Beautiful... it is Drenched in Love and Soul and Mystery and Hope ... waiting .... a breath away from being real!!! I cannot begin to count the details that make me catch my breath... and the number of times you have Removed and Begun again... pieces anybody else would have left as is.... But you had a Vision and it would not let you rest until it was "right"! And you Are So Right!!! The end result is Exceptional, Extraordinary, Way more than a Tribute to the Story that inspired it..... but an Encapsulated Dream.... An Exercise in Adoration.... Every tiny square inch of this Project has called forth the Best from you!!! And you teach us all so much as we watch you create a Masterpiece from lip gloss and dead rubber bands!!! No Wonder is has Won the Best in Show!!! Congratulations and Bravo!!! It is so well deserved! I only wish I could see it for real! :)

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    1. Thank You My Very Dear and Sweetest Betsy!!! :D This was my Very First time taking photos of this house in the sunlight and it was far more challenging than I had supposed it would be, but I LOVE the way the sunshine made everything more visible and more alive looking... I was surprised myself!!! Your phrase "Drenched in Love" is so spot on! God blesses us in so many ways, but Every Day with the sun. I am going to have to show more appreciation for it from here on. :))
      "A Breath Away From Being Real" WOW Betsy! That is BEAUTIFUL
      Being an Artist Yourself, you know and understand how it feels to reach down further to find what it is that you want to reveal, and how there can be resistance and an internal struggle before that can happen. It happened with me many times but I am satisfied. It was worth ALL of the trouble and effort of Removing things and Beginning again.
      The "Vision" continued to evolve even when I thought I had achieved it.
      However, I knew when I was Finally Done, when everything was as good as it was going to get. When there was nothing that I felt stuck out at odd angles or didn't make sense, and... when the clock ran out!
      Having others enjoy its completion as it Basks in the After Glow of the Show, makes this still more of a Wonderful Journey, and I Thank You again Betsy for being such a Big Part of it! :D

      elizabeth
      p.s. Are your Bears still hungry! ;D

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  34. Congratulations! This is a very beautiful and magic garden. Very realistic.

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    1. Thank You Very Much Faby!!! :)) It makes me Very Happy that you are enjoying my little garden. And calling it "Beautiful and Magical" is such a Lovely compliment to receive! :D

      elizabeth

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  35. Hi Elizabeth,
    Such an inspirational piece of work....well done on 'Best in Show'. I'm sure it really was! An absolutely gorgeous house with such fine detailing giving us all a glimpse into the lives of the occupants. You are so talented!
    All the best
    Vivian

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  36. I LOVE what you have said Vivian, about "giving a glimpse into the lives of the occupants"... Exactly! :D My aim is do just that, and I am So Very Pleased that in your eyes, I have achieved it. I LOVE details and even the most obscure of them contributes to the whole. So Thank You Vivian, for your Great Compliment of noticing them too! :D

    elizabeth

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  37. Congratulations on this stunning masterpiece! Best in the Show...It sure was!
    Wonderful, gorgeous house with all the beautiful and stunning details! You are the Artist!
    Hugs
    Kikka

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  38. Thank You So Much Kikka! :D It was a Marvelous time having so many people view and vote on my house at the Show! There is definitely a lot of energy that can be felt when you are there in person, which is some of what makes attending a Miniature Show so Enjoyable! :D And I am Very glad that you have enjoyed it too!:D

    elizabeth

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  39. Hello Miss Elizabeth! Congratulations on your "Best in Show" award! I must say, I am NOT surprised! You have a knack for creating those "little moments" both inside and outside that make one want to shrink to size and become part of the story. Not to mention the "comfortable" feel of everything you do. I can imagine myself sitting in the yard, working in the kitchen (moving everything every two minutes to make room for my next culinary delight!), cozying up in the bedroom as far back in the corner as possible with a great book at hand, or even (perish the thought) working in the garden planting all those beautiful plants! Each room, each vignette creates a separate story that adds up to magic! I enjoy most miniatures, but yours do have a special place, precisely because they capture our imagination in a way that transports us into that "little" world. You already know I love what you did with this, but I would like to say a final..."Well Done!" :0)

    Enjoy catching up in your rl garden!

    Doug

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  40. Thank You Very Much Doug!:D
    I do so Adore the aspect of a "comfortable feeling" within each of the rooms, otherwise who would want to stay to visit? But, hahaha... you're RIGHT in that you would Definitely be moving everything every two minutes to make room for your next culinary endeavor. This poor little kitchen has very little elbow room available, but I am pleased that you would still be willing to give it a TRY! :D
    But a Big Thank You Doug, for all of your praise.
    I cherish every single word.:))

    elizabeth

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  41. GLORIOUS! I have loved watching your process of making perfect into more perfect. You are a miniature genius! I hope you are planning a brand new project. I love watching you create. It's amazing. Your process is so clever and unique. And the result is your Best of Show masterpiece! It belongs in a museum.
    hugs♥,
    Caroline

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  42. Hi Caroline! Thank You; what Beautiful words! I think though that I wouldn't want it in a museum because then I would be able to play with it anymore! It was such a lot of work as you know, so I would like the pleasure of its company for a while yet! :D
    I am planning the HBS kit and will have a new post up for next week. I am getting really excited about it now that Green Dolphin Street is done, and from here it is now Onward and Upwards..... !!! :D

    elizabeth

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  43. Just found your blog. OMG!!! I have definite mini-envy! Your work is incredible. I have just started in this hobby as a post-retirement activity. I can't imagine I will have enough years left to develop the level of skill you demonstrate here. Absolutely gorgeous!- Marilyn D., Oromocto, New Brunswick, Canada

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    1. Hi Marilyn! Thank You and I am Very Happy to Welcome a Fellow Canadian to my blog and I am Delighted that you have been enjoying your visit here on the West Coast.
      Making this English cottage was the fulfillment of a dream for me, although it turned out quite differently than what I originally thought I had had in mind. Even so, I am truly Happy with it; warts and all! :D
      Since I have been making minis for over 30 years I have a leg up on you as far as practice goes, however don't let that deter you! Just dive in and enjoy the experiences. :D

      elizabeth

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  44. Dear Elizabeth! I have already congratulated you on Facebook. I don't have much more to add except to say that this exquisite little house is the house of my heart and I shall always remember it because it's absolutely unforgettable! Thank you so much for creating this little treasure. You have shown what hard work and diligence can accomplish!

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  45. Thank You my dear friend! :)) I saw you there on Facebook and what a pleasure to see you here too - taking the time to visit my blog. I have greatly appreciated ALL of your support over the past 2 years. You were ALWAYS so interested in this house, right from the beginning and your enthusiasm often kept me going especially when I was struggling with it. What a Blessing you are Lucille!
    A Big Hug from me to You! :D

    elizabeth

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  46. I am totally blown away by your wonderful house. The photographs are a feast for the eyes something to return to over and over. Such a wonderful garden, such a wonderful house

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    1. Thank You Very Much Mummyboo!!! :D In retrospect, the 2 1/2 years since I first began this project have quickly evaporated, and it doesn't feel quite real to have the house completed. I have tried to make a few minor adjustments here and there, but there really is NOTHING left to be done either inside or out.
      Fortunately, I have the HBS kit to start in on, because I currently feel a bit at loose ends. Even so, it makes me Very Happy that you are enjoying my House and Garden "Happy Ending" :D

      elizabeth

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  47. Hello Elizabeth, I commented on this topic several times, or I tried to, but my comments keep dissapearing
    hugs,
    Gee

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  48. Hi Gee! Thank You for taking the time to comment even though your comments kept on disappearing! I had this comment come up twice so it may be something weird with Blogger. Nevertheless, I really appreciate your trying.... and then trying again. That in itself Means a Whole Lot! :D


    elizabeth

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  49. Dear Elizabeth my comment the other morning insisted on posting itself before I was finished. I just wanted to add I hope your next project will be on blogger too as I don't 'do' facebook, I know this is very selfish to hope this!
    Gladys

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  50. Hi Gladys a.k.a. Gee! Although I dabble in Facebook, Blogger is my true passion! :D The next project is the HBS Denise kit to which I have committed myself. I had the 3 Miniteers ( Janine, Linda and Fatima ) over to visit yesterday and during our gift exchanges we had an opportunity to discuss my new project. I am actually going to take it out of the box TODAY! YIPEE!!!!!
    And "YES", it will all be posted right here on BLOGGER! :D

    elizabeth

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  51. Lol Elizabeth, I don't know who Gladys is but it sure isn't me! LOL. :D
    Hugs,
    Gee

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  52. Oh Dear Gee! So sorry about the mix-up!
    So much for thinking that I am the next Sherlock Holmes! hahhahah

    e :D

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  53. I never fail to be blown away by your attention to detail in all your projects but your gardening adventures are my absolute favourites!

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  54. Thank You Christine! :D And I am just as Blown Away by your Amazing talent for Horse model painting! Yours is some of the Best Work that I have ever seen! :D

    elizabeth

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  55. One of the best mini houses ever!! I love returning to this and all previous posts to admire and day dream!

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    1. Hi Simon! What a Beautiful compliment coming from someone whose work
      I have Always Admired, makes your words Extra Special! :))
      Thank You! :D

      elizabeth

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  56. What an absolutely stunning piece of art....and that garden!!!! I just want to go there and spend a sunny afternoon smelling the scents and listening to the bees buzz around...

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  57. Hi Juliette! What a Glorious Compliment; Thank You! :D I think that every post about this house holds a complaint, but now that this project is over, I can look back and honestly say that I LOVED nearly every minute of it.:)) Building the garden was one of the greatest of pleasures for me, yet I can't even begin to number the times that I changed and modified it, but even now when I look at it in review, I am Still happy with the finished product and it is Very Gratifying that so many others appreciate this house and garden too! :D

    elizabeth

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  58. Congratulations Elizabeth ! Just seeing 43 Green Dolphin Street all finished up for the first time, today. OMG ! You well deserve "Best in Show" ! ! It's just 'breath-takingly' beautiful ! I'm a gardener & landscape architect and am so blown away by your gardens; I could stare at them all day !! Thanks Elizabeth, for sharing your "Chef d'Oeuvre with all of us admirers. Bless you, B.C. Girl ! Addie from Ottawa xx

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  59. What a COMPLIMENT!!!!- Thank You Addie :D I worked Very Hard on this project , and it was filled with ups and downs all along the way, however, I think that working on the garden was THE most gratifying as well as the most difficult. Re- Working plastic, silk, paper, and natural materials and struggling to make them look alive, was Fun but often frustrating, not to mention trying to make them all look good together. Bloom times overlapped a little longer than they should have but I gave myself permission not to become too strict for the sake of " the look" I was trying to achieve. Now when I look at the garden and always with a critical eye, I am still Very Happy with it. Having a fellow Gardener and A Landscape Architect, shower praises on this miniature garden is Such a Great Honor and Pleasure for me, Addie!
    Bless YOU... Ottawa Lady :D

    elizabeth

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  60. OMG Elizabeth - I have just seen this post and your garden which is AMAZING. I am speechless with admiration. Whaow. I have just started my own Arthur kit and could not be taking it in a more different direction but your work has made me realise what is possible. Fantastic.

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  61. Hi Carol! :D
    Thank You Very Much!!! I have to say that whenever I look at this house whether in person or in photos, I can't believe that I actually did it.
    For a long while it seemed that my Arthur would NEVER reach completion, and working on the garden took me months to finish rather than the couple of weeks which I had originally thought.
    I am looking forward to seeing the fruits of you labor with regard to your New Arthur Project. My opinion is that the size of this house kit is PERFECT, and is vehicle in which to make so many our miniature dreams come true!
    Happy "Arthur-ing" Carol! :D

    elizabeth

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DO OVERS! a Glencroft Living room redecoration

    Back in April of 2022, I made up a storyline for my Glencroft renovations, which went something like this...   "After due considera...