This is the dress that goes with the hat... and here they are together. |
I just love them and I'm so glad that I found them again after having put both the hat and the dress away years ago,... for safe keeping now back to the roses... |
Initially, I was going to display the roses up-right in a glass vase. They looked both stiff and formal and kept toppling over, so I tried deliberately spilling them onto the vanity and liked the resulting effect better. But because the stems are long and the flower heads heavy, they shifted and slid off onto the floor every time I tried to arrange them. So in order to anchor the roses, I poked the stem lengths into one of my new/old birdcages. The cage kept the roses stable as I fiddled and fussed, and arranged and re-arranged everything else including the 2 tiered cake tray, around them. The two tiered cake tray is one that I made from 2 large paper fastener purchased at Michael's. I had a surplus of them as well as some other craft materials and so I mailed a craft care package to our Aussie-based Miniteer- Linda Park (Linda's Mini World blog) Miniteers of Vancouver and she sent me back some lovely photos of how she had used some of the items she'd received. In one of her photos, Linda had a BEAUTIFUL cake stand perched on a table outside her Salon de Tea' and when I inquired about it she told me that she made it from some of the paper fasteners which I had sent her! Simply BRILLIANT!!! I'm hoping that she will show it and do a tutorial on it, because her results are Elegant & Refined but in the meantime I tried a shabby version of my own. Mine doesn't compare at all with Linda's, yet it still works well enough for this composition. I took photos of my cake stand positioned on both sides of the vanity and you will get a better look at it towards the end of this post. |
I removed the wide brimmed hat to make way for the chicken! |
Here are some more rusty bird cages which I made last week. I have taken some photos of the process to share with you as a future tutorial. They were fast, fun and very easy to do. After I painted them, I aged them with the Cinnamon Rust tutorial which I posted in ("Meeting Rusty at the Game") http://studioeminiatures.blogspot.ca/2015/09/meeting-rusty-at-game.html
|
The bird cage on the left of the bag is another one of mine and the bird cage to the right was an old purchase which use to be shiny brass, which I've painted brown and aged. |
For this composition, I draped the Monica Roberts dress, and included the 2 blue enamel BEE vases that Janine made for me in back in the 90's. I filled her vase with my loose- leaf version of meadow flowers ( white sand glued onto grassy synthetic fibers) My tall bird cage to the right was fitted with a set of "iron keys" which I found at the HOBBY LOBBY. I gave a set to each of The Miniteers when they came by for our monthly mini get-together. You can see that I've aged my keys with the easy-peasy Cinnamon Rust technique. |
In Janine's ( Minworks blog ), French House Salon she featured a BEAUTIFUL matched set of burgundy eel skin luggage, cleverly constructed by using paper matchboxes as her base. I LOVE HER LUGGAGE! A few days ago, as I was looking at my mini grouping which was still under construction, I decided that it could use some blue. (what about blue luggage?) I would have to give it a try. I used Janine's luggage as inspiration and a simple paper suitcase tutorial I found on youtube by Cheers Charms/ suitcase video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcTmT6JwKAo I cut up a worn out pair of faded blue Ralph Lauren leather gloves which I'd saved for ages. I wrapped the match boxes with it top, bottom and sides. I sliced the suggestion of a lid into the leather with a craft knife, and added hardware made from earring bits and jewelry findings, which were later painted and aged. These were so easy to do and I had fun experimenting with aging the leather and giving the luggage distinctly beat up appearance. Not too shabby for my first try! |
The sexy slides are charms from some wine glass markers which I'd found at the thrift store ( of course) I cut off the jump ring that was attached at the heel and toned down the high gloss black upper with some Revlon Matte nail varnish. I think that they look pretty good under the hot pink silk, ( lining from a man's tie) vanity stool. |
The clock face perched on a plate stand, is a button with the word Paris on it. It is mounted into a brass button cover. The brass was too shiny and too new so I gave it a coat of Revlon Matte Nail polish to dull the finish and when it was dry, I dabbed it with a brown ink pad over the brass and on the clock face, which served to tone it down to a more subtle and suitable patina. |
This poor plant is a rose topiary which I purchased in Seattle Washington a long time ago. It has seen better days. The leaves have faded over the years but the roses are still going strong. I don't know who made it, but I've always liked it even though it has been bashed about from here to eternity as I have tried unsuccessfully, to find a permanent home for it. I have in mind, a future project for this topiary and hopefully by then it can actually put down its tiny mini roots and "bloom where it is planted"! |
The little round blue china dish, is by Tasmanian porcelain artist Margaret Crosswell. She sells only at shows down under and so Linda Parks brought this over for me during her bi-annual Canadian vist last summer. It's perfect! :D |
I had mentioned the tiered cake tray earlier on which I made from large paper fasteners from Michael's. and this will give you a closer look-see. I affixed some tiny leaves and a metal cherub to the top of the tray and laid some doilies on the plates. Most of the pink dainties are made from styrofoam meat packaging, cut using a circle hand punch and then decorated. |
The plate of French Macarons were the result of our January Miniteer's meeting. Linda brought our mini project, which Fatima, Janine and I were Absolutely DELIGHTED with! These macarons were made from tiny, colorful paper brads and very thin craft foam. Aren't they ADORABLE?!!!! |
Well, that's all for now but in conclusion, I hope that 2016 will bring all of my readers many Creative and Happy hours of Mini-making in whichever form they take. Personally, I feel that I'm off to a good start. I'm looking forward to producing more tutorials this year and I already have some waiting in the wings. I will get to those eventually but for now, I think I am still in the mood to make flowers.... meanwhile here's wishing all of you a Happy Valentines Day! eat chocolate, share love, and send ROSES elizabeth |
Visual overload!! I think I read this 4 times and I keep reading and seeing something new! Your pictures are gorgeous elizabeth, you captured your art perfectly. I am pumped to see a birdcage tutorial. And the roses....omg so beautiful. And after a few runs on my shines brass with various products I think your matte nail polish suggestion might have hit the nail on the head. You have just filled my weekend with mini making ideas. So much for dusting and cleaning ;) and I'm glad you're back blogging!
ReplyDeleteHi Kat! Thank You Very Much for YOUR contributions to this pictorial essay! :D
DeleteAm a glad that you are interested to see the birdcage tutorial, because I am just as excited to share it! I have made 6 of them and each one is different but they are all made with basically the same SIMPLE method.
The Revlon Matt Nail Varnish can usually be purchased at the drug store, Shopper's Drugmart, or London Drugs or Wal-Mart. The BEST one is by Chanel but talk about too expensive!!!! :(
Anyway, have fun experimenting :D
elizabeth
p.s. and it feels good to be back :))
Hi Elizabeth! Your roses and arrangements are absolutely gorgeaus! Thank you for this burst of color and spirit. You have made many brillint finds and ideas again. Yes you are definetely off to a good start.
ReplyDeleteI Wish You Happy 2016 with lots of beautiful things.
Riitta
Hi Riitta! Thank You for your compliment about my ROSES! :D
DeleteYour comment about the 'burst of color' was spot on! The weather has been dreary for days around here yet I feel that Spring may show up early.
The robins are back and that is ALWAYS a good sign! :D
elizabeth
So many lovely things!
ReplyDeleteHi Merja! You know what? I had no idea just how many items that this vignette would end up with and it has surprised me too about the quantity. There were bits in boxes and bags and it was only when I needed to fill a gap, that I began to find them.
DeleteAnd Thank You! .... I am Very Pleased that you like them, because I do too! :D
elizabeth
Your roses look fantastic in the photos! and Very romantic. Love all the fantastic details also!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Kikka
Hi there Kikka! Thank You for enjoying my ROSES! Everyone has their own way of making them and since this type are new to me, I hope that I shall get better and faster at it as time goes on.
DeleteTaking the photos of them, was PURE BLISS!
ahhhhhh Romance!
elizabeth :D
Hola Elizabeth, me alegra mucho verte de nuevo.
ReplyDeleteEse rincón es absolutamente encantador, todos y cada uno de los detalles son preciosos, y el aspecto envejecido es tan perfecto.
Un abrazo
DeleteThank You So Much, Eloisa! And I am quite Delighted to be back blogging again! :))
I am soooo Happy that you are liking this Romantic corner and for commenting about the aging. I LOVE to age stuff and for some of these items (such as the birdcages ), it seemed to enhance them the "older" they became. :D
elizabeth
Unas fotos preciosas y las flores una maravilla.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo
Maite
Hi Maite! Thank You Very Much for enjoying both the pictures and the Roses! I had lots of fun doing BOTH! :D
DeleteLooking back I can't believe that I made that many roses but that is what happens when you Really enjoy what you are doing.
elizabeth :D
Elizabeth!!! What can I say. That is what I call a blog!
ReplyDeleteYour flowers are fabulous and your luggage - so good. Have you made that since we were there? Next time I'm going to forgo lunch and spend all my time in your studio.
The porcelain artist is Margaret Crosswell from Tasmania. Her work is amazing. I will try to do some tutorials of sorts when I get braver. So glad to see you back at it and look forward to the next blogs.
Hugs, Linda
Hi Linda!!! :D I have YOU to Thank for So Many Things! :D
DeleteThe roses that you saw when you were here for lunch, were the red and the orange ones. I made the pink ones a day or two later.
The luggage I made just a couple of days ago. The link to CHEERS CHARMS suitcase tutorial demonstrates her Very Easy project.
Thank you for the name of the porcelain artist. I've now made the corrections in the blog text so that her name isn't ______? BLANK!
Feels good to be back ! :D
elizabeth
p.s. Seriously think about doing a tutorial, Linda. Your talents are truly enviable and I KNOW that you have a lots of mini tricks that YOU could teach US!... and you already have! :)
Charming ,lovely corner ! I'm crazy about your roses,they are beautiful.Looking forward to see your tutorials.I'm glad to read you again,
ReplyDeleteHugs
Luly
Hi Luly! Thank You Very Much for your sweet compliment!
DeleteI had so much fun when making these Roses!... There are loads of tutorials on the web regarding making roses, and each has something different to offer. I think that mine are a cross between real and fantasy. The colors that they turned out to be are what gets me Excited.... and longing for summer!
elizabeth
and the tutorial about the bird cage is only 2 posts away!
Dear Elizabeth, You literally have taken my breath away with this post. I always admired the atmospheric posts of Victoria Magazine in days past and still buy them if I see old ones in the Thrift stores.
ReplyDeleteYour roses are truly magnificent!!! The scenes are just lovely. I do wish more people could see your work in reality!
Bloggers, Elizabeth's studio is full of the most amazing creations - one just does not know what to look at first! Each time I visit I see so many different things in places I am sure I have inspected before.
Thanks Elizabeth - what fun to see this post and feel inspired.... Now where is the cinnamon!
Hugs Janine
Hi Janine!!! :D I am sooooo Glad that this post has made you feel "Inspired". That is EXACTLY how I feel after visiting you and your French House! :D
DeleteI too am a BIG FAN of the 80's & 90's Victoria Magazine publications. They tended to use a LOT of Ralph Lauren's iconic style in their layouts and so when I made the blue luggage from an old pair of RL gloves, it was as a subtle tribute to his enormous influence on the magazine culture of that era.
As for the Roses- they seemed to be in nearly EVERY issue, didn't they?
There is something universal about roses. I am also a fan of pansies, tulips and lavender but when it comes to Roses- for me, they truly are in a class by themselves.
now go and find your cinnamon! :D
elizabeth
As always, I bow down to your creativity, Elizabeth! The flowers are simply gorgeous, as is everything you've added. Wow oh Wow!
ReplyDeletexo
Claudia
Hello Claudia! I know that being the Romantic kinda gal that you are, that this post would appeal to you! :D
DeleteIt was so refreshing to feel creative doing minis again, especially when making the Roses. I have similar Real Life beauties in my garden and so this was like a little preview of what I can anticipate in late Spring!
Whooo Hooooo!!!! :D
elizabeth
Elizabeth, Handy husband says "she's AMAZING!"
ReplyDeleteJanine
Janine, Tell The Mighty Bruce that I give him a THOUSAND virtual Kisses! :D
Deletehahahha
Una fotografía preciosa. Me gusta en especial la última con las rosas, las jaulas, el reloj... todo ese montón de piezas en aparente desorden pero perfectamente ordenadas. Has hecho un trabajo maravilloso.
ReplyDeleteA lovely photograph. I especially like the last with roses, cages, clock ... all this pile of parts in apparent disorder but perfectly tidy. You did a wonderful job.
DeleteThank You So Much Isabel! :D I am Very Pleased with the last photograph as well! I started out with just a few items and that is what I ended up with- Organized chaos! ;P
elizabeth
Oh, Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteWhat a dreamy collection of nostalgic objects! It is amazing how things come together when you are inspired
(rooster, wallpaper, picture and frame etc.) So beautiful!
I took a peek and am now following Minworks. Going back to stare at it. LOL The sweet girl at Cheers Charms will be seeing more of me too. Thanks for sharing.
Please, Please, Please share your photo techniques! OMG sooo dramatic. I think you should print out these pics and frame them for use in your other mini scenes!
You are so fortunate to have such wonderful mini buddies! 2016 minis hoooo_--->
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to you too!
Hi Grandmommy! :D Thank You for all of your lovely comments and also about the 'Nostalgia' element! I find that the older I get, the more I wish to see the past through Rose colored glasses. :)) One of the best things about minis is that not only can we "wish" it, but we can actually make it happen - through our miniatures. :D
DeleteI am Very Happy that you found Minworks Bravo!!! Janine has a WONDERFUL blog and you won't be disappointed.
The Cheers Charms site was a new one to me but the little girl did such a great job with her tutorial that I shall have to return to see what else she has done.
As far as sharing photo techniques- I can't say what they are because I don't KNOW what they are.
My daughter gave me her hand-me-down Canon Power Shot Elph. I didn't even know how to use it until Janine's husband Bruce, showed me how to set it, and I haven't changed the setting since, and that was over 2 years ago. All I can say, is that at first I used a homemade light box to filter the light. For the photos in this blog, I used both warm incandescent and cool fluorescent lights and filtered the lights holding my camera in one hand and a sheet of white paper for the light to pass through, in the other. Most of the photos were taken at night because I'm a night owl. Other than that, I know very little about taking pictures but hope that helps? :/
Thank you though for asking Grandmommy, and HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to YOU too! :D
elizabeth
Oh my gosh, Elizabeth! I thought these were real roses! I was scrolling down, waiting to see the minis (not reading, just watching the pics).
ReplyDeleteThey are a-ma-zing!!
As is everything on the pics, really.
The arrangements, the colors, you have really outdone yourself. Again!!
Beau-ti-ful work.
Gee
THANK YOU so Very Much Gee!!! What a Great Compliment! :D
DeleteI was amazed by how well the Roses photographed and so it pleases me to no end that you have enjoyed this display of them too!
I have been wanting to make more flowers ever since I finished the garden of my doll's house, but I didn't want to make any until I had a place for them to go. But then- I had to give my head a shake and ask myself if not now, then when? I had to "seize the day" and just DO IT- and once I started then I didn't want to stop.
I'm glad that you approve! :D
elizabeth
Beautiful! Just Plain Beautiful!!! I am always AMAZED at the materials that become such AWESOME creations in your hands!!! The Theme of Roses is one that is Dear to my Heart.... yet I am too Chicken to get around to Trying to make some!!! You are so fearless!!! I guess I will have to take a cue from the Elizabeth book and JUST TRY ANYTHING!!! Someday I will learn how to put together gorgeous vignettes like this.... Sigh... I used to subscribe to Victoria Magazine in the 90's... I LIVED for that Magazine and then it went belly-up overnight! (I cried!) I am SO glad to see that you have just been following your Heart and letting the Creations pour out of you... such beautiful results to all that "Playing around"!!! You are simply a Genius with minis! As usual, I can't wait to see what is next!!!
ReplyDeleteAhhhh Betsy!!! :D Truly you have Warmed my Heart by your Sweet Compliments!
DeleteThe theme of Roses is one I believe that most women can relate to. For me they represent Love, Femininity, Softness, Romance, Passion, and Nostalgia, and perhaps that was what drew me into those VICTORIA magazines back in the day. They were ALWAYS saturated with flowers, weren't they? Alas, those were the good old days but we didn't know it then.
I was in Value Village a while back and someone must have been cleaning out their cupboards because there were at least 20 back issues on the shelves. I bought them all, and came home and spent the day in bed reading each one of them from cover to cover..... What luxury!
So you can imagine my Great Delight, when having decided to spill the Roses onto the vanity, that the essence of that magazine began to develop right before my eyes. - VICTORIA LIVES!!!! :D
elizabeth
p.s. I was "too Chicken" to try too, but I am trying to change my tune for 2016 and to MINI DANGEROUSLY :D
Grieving is a very private thing and takes its own time to resolve. I'm so glad your heart is mending and you are able to produce these incredible vignettes. Your eye for detail is amazing. I cannot wait to check back for any tutorials you are generous enough to share with us. Absolutely beautiful! - Marilyn D., Oromocto, NB, Canada
ReplyDeleteThank You Marilyn and you are soooo right about the grief! My mother was a passionate crafter and so a lot of what I do is because of her and her love of MAKING THINGS with her hands.
DeletePersonally, I am a Big Believer in Detail. There is a saying that " God is in the Details" and it is an adage that I firmly hold to. But my struggle is knowing when to STOP, because often I can get quite carried away by adding much too much.
With this series of photo though, I feel that I achieved the right balance of color, line and harmony, which may account for why I totally enjoyed shooting all of the above pictures. :D
Stay tuned for the up-coming birdcage tutorial.
It is only 2 post away. :))
elizabeth
The richness of your photos makes me drool. Love your roses but the birdcages are specially wonderful. Cinnamon rust??! Your use of exotic material has me in awe, you must have a magic wand to help transform the unusual into the divine.....
ReplyDeleteThank YOU Susan!!! :D When I read the word "Richness" I knew that you had found the perfect adjective! When I think back on the VICTORIA magazine of the 1990's, 'RICHNESS" would be just how I would have described it. Whether it was sugared violets in the Spring, Dried bundles of Lavender tucked between the linens, a stand of golden maples in Vermont or Tartan and holly in the snow, EVERY issue of every season held a Rich Feast for the eyes!
DeleteSo it gives me Great Pleasure that my Rose vignette has whetted your mini appetite for more about the Birdcages, and I will not keep you waiting for it either.
The cinnamon rust is exactly that, and now that I got the link to work, take a look under the photo with the Orange Hermes bag in it and the link under it will fill you in.
elizabeth :D
Sheeeeeee's baaaaaaack!!! Yippee! ~A~W~E~S~O~M~E~ roses and birdcages and e v e r y t h i n g!!! This is going to be a great year!
ReplyDeleteAnd... Oh, yes! More chickens, please! They are good luck!
Hey There Jodi!!! :D Yipppeeee ? - Y-E-S indeed!!!! :D
DeleteI am Stoked that you like the "birdcages and everything!!! " I am getting that tutorial underway -right away, so Stay tuned- but in the meantime-
A Great Big Thank YOU! :D
elizabeth
So much fun :)
ReplyDeleteHi Keli!!! :D Thank You, So true! I did have TONS OF FUN putting this post together and I'm Delighted that you like it!
Deleteelizabeth :D
Hi Elizabeth. What an amazing blogger you are! I always enjoy your posts and wish I could make mine as interesting! You have a real gift. As well as your mini-making, which is as usual devine. I love your bird cages, and I love your roses. I love the colours, and the way you have laid everything out. I love your rooster and what an amazing job you did of your luggage. Awe-inspiring as usual. I need a good butt-kicking to start making more things like you do.
ReplyDeleteHi Shannon and THank YOu for such lovely compliments!!! :D I am rather pleased with the way that the Roses have presented themselves and I have since made a couple more to add to their general confusion. The bird cages will for Sure be in my next tutorial, and I am DELIGHTED that you like them!!!
DeleteI have a fondness for the look of chickens, don't ask me why, but it was after I added this fine bird that this vignette really began to take shape, and naturally he's become the Chicken Feather in my cap! :D
elizabeth
Glad you're better and I love to see you do minis new, new projects. the pictures are beautiful, I love all the details, perfume bottles are original, what I like is the display of small cakes and protagonists of the post, the roses are sublime! I love! very good job, Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteA big hugs :0)
Thank You Monica! I am feeling far more optimistic these days. And making this scene has got the ball rolling for me once again. I am So Pleased that you like the small cakes. I had to fiddle with those again last night because they were too much of the same color. I've since amended the variety of little treats, but having it in with the roses makes it look far more impressive than it really is. :/
DeleteStill working on that.
elizabeth:D
that your roses are beautiful: thank you for your tests
ReplyDeletewhat a great idea to change your mind by offering us these flowers in the middle of lovely accessories
have a nice day
Hello and Thank You Very Much Claude! I know how much you Also enjoy making flowers AND experimenting with different methods and mediums Applying the ink pads for the colors of the roses gave them more depth. I am Very Pleased that you too like the final effect of them mixed in with the accessories. :D
Deleteelizabeth
Je suis submergée tant par ce long texte que par toutes les choses superbes représentées ;)
ReplyDeleteJ'ai lu,encore et encore regardé les photos, encore et encore et Re encore ;) tout est incroyable, les cages, les roses, ah ! Les roses, elles sont magnifiques ! Bises. Joce
Forgive me Joce, for such a long text, I honestly "tried" to condense it however, you should have seen how long it was BEFORE the edit!!! hahhaha
DeleteEven so, I am Very Happy that you have enjoyed it enough to re-read it, and also that you've enjoyed the pictures too! Truly, I had fun making EVERYTHING! :D
elizabeth
Peu importe la longueur Elizabeth, vos textes sont toujours très intéressants et aussi amusants, j'aime beaucoup lire les détails de fabrication ;) Continuez, surtout !
DeleteBelle semaine ! Joce
I hope that you realized that I was teasing you Joce, as well as making fun of myself. I have been known to be rather 'long-winded" and that often applies to my comments as well as my posts! :D
DeleteWow! back with a bang. Welcome. Your makes and photos of them are so luscious and soul satisfying that I wished I had looked at them before lunch then I could have reduced the calories and skipped the cheesecake. I am full to bursting with beautiful things from your page. Huge thanks. Such talent. Marilyn
ReplyDeleteHi Marilyn and I am VERY GLAD to be back and THANK YOU! :D
DeleteMaking paper roses was one of the things that I had put off doing for a very long time. Assembling the garden for my doll's house was different because the flowers were going somewhere, but to just make roses for no particular reason was a SWEET TREAT for me, AND 100% Calorie Free!
and I am Delighted that they meet with your approval!:D
elizabeth
p/s. I say one should eat Cheesecake at every opportunity ;P
Your roses and arrangements are amazing and very romantic. I like the photos.
ReplyDeleteThank You Very Much, Faby!!! :D For me Roses are ALWAYS romantic, and every year I eagerly await their coming into bloom within my Real Life garden. :))
Deleteelizabeth
You have been very busy and have created wonderful scenes. Your roses are fantastic and you display them with beautiful scenes. I love the dress. Everything in your post makes me dream.
ReplyDeleteGeneviève
Yes, I have been very busy Genevieve, and it felt to me like MINIATURE THERAPY or like taking a multi-vitamin pill, which gave me LOTS of energy and enthusiasm to get back to work on minis as well as my blog.
DeleteThank You for your compliments about the dress and the roses, and please never stop dreaming. :D
elizabeth
Привет Элизабет!
ReplyDeleteЯ смотрю ваши фотографии снова и снова. Я не могу оторвать взгляд. Фотографии смотрятся как старинная живопись. Прекрасный реализм. Жизнь остановилась. Прошло сто лет. Время съело металл, а розы сохранили свою красоту, как любовь. Чувства меня переполняют.
Вы сделали изысканную сцену. Я смотрю и наслаждаюсь...
Я очень сожалею о вашей утрате. Я надеюсь, что новый год принесет вам радость.
Татьяна
DeleteHello again, My Dear Tatiana! Thank You for all of your Beautiful Words which paint pictures in my mind as I read them. I believe that you have the soul of a poet! :D
I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed putting all of these elements together and how satisfied I was by the way the photos turned out. I think that I am still Surprised by it all, but also greatly encouraged by your praise and your approval! :D
and thank you too for your kind condolences.
elizabeth
I´m glad you are back. How lovely pictures you have shared with us again! They are full of beautiful artefacts and details. - Sirkka
ReplyDeleteThank You Very Much Sirkka! And I am Very happy to BE BACK too!
DeleteI am DELIGHTED that you like the photos, and I like your word "artifacts", and I wish that I had thought to use it because I think that it describes it much better than the word "shabby" :D
elizabeth
I almost never comment but I am an avid follower of your blog and I am so happy to see you back. Take your time grieving - it is a roller coaster (more like a wave, actually) that comes in unexpected moments. This entry in your blog is so visually perfect - the richness and colors and details and and! I'm speechless. I would love to see your tutorials when you post them.
ReplyDeleteThank you for bringing back the memories of the Victoria Magazine - I loved it!
I think the Hobby Lobby you stopped on your way back to Canada was the one in my town! I wonder if we were there at the same time!
Thank you for filling my day with T so much beauty and inspiration.
Hi Nora! First I am Very Flattered by your comment, and sooooo Pleased that you have taken this opportunity to leave one here, I find that encouraging ... Thank You! :D
DeleteAnd thank you again for your observations about grief, you are so right because it IS like a wave that comes unexpectedly ( and that happened to me yesterday, right out of the blue)
Regarding the tutorials, I LOVE to do them and hope that you will enjoy the birdcage one that is right around the corner.
The HOBBY LOBBY that my sister and I visited was to the right, and next to the I-5 which is why I spotted it, and then needed to get to. :)) and Very Friendly staff there, I might add.
And I am so glad to find another FAN of the old 'VICTORIA' magazine. Those truly were the good old days, weren't they? Every page was a photographic masterpiece :D
elizabeth
Yep, that must be "my" Hobby Lobby (Mt. Vernon). Can't wait to see your tutorial.
DeleteHugs!
Good to see you back in blogland - and how... with a visual celebration of miniature goods of all sorts. It's hard to believe that these roses are your first try - looks like you're a born rose-maker. The scene you've created with all your newest creations and some findings is simply a feast for the eye!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Birgit
Hi Birgit!!!! :D Thank You for your Welcome Back and for your Beautiful Words! I HAVE made roses before but these ones were different than any that I have previously attempted. I've done make-overs of other mass produced roses, made ribbon roses and also some simple pink and red roses for the House on Green Dolphin Street, but nothing like this batch where I focused on each one individually and only just for fun. Believe it or not, I began to make them so that I could see if I COULD prior to attempting to make up some rose kits that I purchased in the past but was too chicken to try. Once I started making roses and saw that I could do it, then I couldn't stop.
Deleteand the kits are still in their packages :D
elizabeth
Ok...here it goes...I love this post more than words can say! But I will add just one little thing.....the roses and everything here is super great, if that is at all possible! So Romantic,the whole thing is to die for! And I was lucky enough to see it all in person! And thank you for hosting the miniteers this month! What a treat! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHI FATS and Thank YOU! After the Miniteers were here, I felt so inspired that I made more of Linda's tiny French Macarons and then pink roses. It seems that Every time our group gets together, I come home pumped up and ready to do MORE MINIS, don't you too? :D
DeleteIt was a FUN afternoon and it went by far too quickly. But now I am looking forward to our NEXT VISIT together - soon? :D
elizabeth
Your roses are amazing -- so realistic. And I love all the different arrangements. It is so fun to read about your finding favorites stored away and using them again (like that fabulous dress and hat) and all your wonderful finds and bits of wisdom. I have to read the post again. Have a wonderful 2016! And Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteHi Penelope! Thank You Very Much and you are right about how fun it is to find things that were out of sight and forgotten about! That happens to me a lot, because I continually move things and then forget where I have moved them to! :D hahahha
DeleteLocating the dress was a Real Surprise because I had forgotten that I had even bought it. I happen to have the original receipt in the bag and when I saw that then I it was ..." oh ya", and it all came flooding back to me.
Getting old.... getting old :(
elizabeth :D
I lose things all the time and forget what I bought just because I am not very organized (and because my kids come down and play with the dollhouse and I try to put things away quickly that might break). I have a whole list of things that I am looking for! And it's not a very big space!
DeleteI hear you! All it takes is for something to drop on the floor right under me and I am looking for it for 10 minutes! How do these things manage to hide right under our noses?!!!! :((
Deleteoh yeah, I meant to give you a {{{HUG}}} about your mom. I lost mine when I was 42 and I still felt like an orphan. I still think of her often. Now, it is through great memories not as pain.
ReplyDeleteThank You for your {{{HUG}}} grandmommy... I needed it! :D
DeleteI have great memories of my mother as you do yours, and I always will have.:)
Wow....speechless...SO beautiful are your roses, and your scenes and photography of everything is perfection! You have created such wonderful atmosphere with every shot. I can't stop looking :)
ReplyDeleteThank You Very Much Linda!!! :D I probably had just as much fun taking the photos as I did in contriving the set up! :D
DeleteThese kinds of scenes are always a lot easier to shoot than a roombox or a doll's house because you can approach it from so many different angles and with specific mood lighting which I Always find exciting to see the end results of .
elizabeth
WOW, your roses are absolutely gorgeous Elizabeth, ESPECIALLY since they're your first! The colours, the shades, it's all perfect and the thickness of the paper seems right to me too. You've done so well on the staging too, it's perfectly 'careless' if you know what I mean ;). All the details are so great too, so much to see! And the birdcages, the suitcases, the pimped-down shoes, love love love! and that sheep you once made, it's so sweet! there's simply too much to mention, but as always enjoyed your post a lot! I look forward to all your clever ideas, tutorials and whatever it will be that you're going to treat us to :D. And I agree, you're definitely of to a great start!
ReplyDeleteHi Monique! :D These Roses were experimental but I have made roses before. What I haven't made were Leaves or single long-stemmed roses prior to making this bunch. I"ve made a couple of climbing roses for the house on Green Dolphin Street but the leaves were plastic plants and I so I only had to make the flowers for those shrubs. Thought that I had better clarify that, right up front.
DeleteI HAD A BLAST, making them look "careless" and doing the staging too! :D
You know what? After I read your comment I looked to see if I had dated the sheep and I had- I made them in 1996! Not baaaaaaaad, ... if I do say so myself! :D
elizabeth
Oh Elizabeth, how beautiful! Words cannot describe this. While you are creating more beautiful miniatures, could you please also create a shrinking machine? I so want to live in your miniature world!! I saw you in passing on Pinterest now and then, as I was gathering inspiration there as well. I have been away from blogging for a long time too but am slowly making my way back. Our tiny world is a patient one ;-)
ReplyDeleteX
Veronique
Thank You and Welcome Back to Blogland Veronique! I am Sooooo Glad to see you up on your blog once again!!!! :D
DeleteYes our tiny world IS a patient one and Thank Goodness it is because I think that you can experience burn out every now and then and a mini vacation can be exactly what the doctor ordered! :D
elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth! It's so good to see a blog of your hand again :)! I've missed your beautiful miniature works in your fab miniature scenes, great work!
ReplyDeleteYour roses are amazing, they look so realistic!
Warm hugs, Ilona
Greetings Ilona! :D Thank YOu and I am Very Happy to be back- Refreshed and Ready for action once again! :D
DeleteI Greatly treasure your comment Ilona and want to add that YOUR MINI ROSE WITH THORNS is UNBELIEVABLE! And thus I take my hat off to a Real DUTCH MASTER! :D
elizabeth
Hi, Elizabeth - It's so good to have you back at your blog! And you definitely came back with a bang! What a perfectly beautiful post this is; I love all the different vignettes that you photographed. The roses are wonderful. I can hardly believe this is your first attempt at making them. Bravo! They look just right, spilling freely over the table. I was reminded of the pages of "Victoria!" I'm in love with that scrapbook paper that you found to use as your background. Perfection! The birdcages look so hard to make, even though you say they're easy. Easy for you to say! I'll look forward to that tutorial. I also especially like the "sexy" slides and the vanity stool, with that bright shock of pink that echoes the color of the roses. Your technique for refurbishing the shoes is so simple, yet so effective. Your creative vision never fails to impress me. Thank you for this lovely post, and thank you for the ROSES!
ReplyDeleteMarjorie
Hi Marjorie!!! :D Thank YOu Thank You Thank You! :D I LOVED making the roses and I have plans to make more and experiment with different types of paper for both the blossoms and the leaves. Each rose has at least 2 sometimes 3 different papers on each stem.
DeleteBut you will be SURPRISED to learn that the birdcages are super quick and so easy to make that I made 3 in one sitting. The basic cage comes together before you know it; it is only the painting that take the time but that is a given with any mini. ;P
But again, I Really appreciate your Lovely Comment and your Compliments, which Always make my day! :D
elizabeth
Todo el conjunto es una maravilla, Elizabeth. Las rosas paracen auténticas, hasta deben tener aroma. Las jaulas fantásticas, y ese rincón tan romántico y decadente que has montado, es una belleza.
ReplyDeleteMis felicitaciones.
Un abrazo
Thank You Victoria!!! :D I had to giggle when you mentioned how the roses looked "decadent", spilling out from the corner, because THAT'S Precisely what I thought too! :D In Real Life who would do such a thing but in Miniature we can indulge in fantasy, to our hearts content! :D
Deleteelizabeth
Hello Lady Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteWelcome back my friend. you have been missed! Firstly, I hope your aunt is doing well...you are still in my thoughts. This post was an explosion of beauty and fantastic craftsmanship! I love your roses! they are so beautiful. You mentioned that you tried different papers and I was wondering if any one paper was easier to work with? The luggage and the cake tray are just beautiful. they are such great accessories and quite well done! I also love the doily and that fantastic dress...both are meticulously crafted! Everything was just wonderful and this post was such a great way to start my day!
Big hug
Giac
Greetings Sir Giac!!! :D I am Very Happy and Grateful to be Back amongst all of my friends again, and a PERSONAL THANK YOU for your letters of concern. Much Appreciated. :))
DeleteAnswering your question as to which paper was better.... They were all good but in different ways. The construction paper tears easily but the roses look rich and velvety and it takes color and holds onto it. The coffee filters were the easiest to shape but they would also stretch and have tiny fibers that were annoying to try and clean off.
The tracing paper gave the most delicacy and transparency in color, but because I was using inks, they also bled the most, therefore- both Pluses and Minuses for them all.
But because I am still experimenting with what I use as well as how I make them, I will have to continue to adjust and adapt my applications as I become more comfortable with each of their properties.
Before I read your comment Giac, I had already began making changes to the cakes on the cake plate so the next time you see it, it will look a little different. It seems that I just can't stop FIDDLING! ahhhh me.... already it is back to the drawing board!
Big Hugs Back! :D
elizabeth
Absolutely stunning! I love that all your scenes have so much more in them than first appears, and once you take a closer look you just keep finding more!
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to try to make some flowers for ages so I might just have to give them a try now after seeing all these glorious roses!
Hello Christine! Thank You and might I add and return the same COMPLIMENT to YOU regarding those INCREDIBLE photos of Yours on your blog! Beautiful Work there, Christine! :D
DeleteAnd if you are planning to make flowers check out several of the on-line tutorials. There are Hundreds to choose from and each has just a little something different to offer too! A one point though I just had to stop looking and start making, otherwise I would Still be glued to PINTEREST and YOUTUBE! hahhah
elizabeth
Awww, thank you! :D
DeleteI've made plants before eons ago, and have been collecting plenty of tutorials on pinterest so I'm well catered for, ahaha!
I'll hopefully get a post up soon with what I've ended up making - they're nothing on yours but not bad considering its been years since I've tried!
Well, I think that if you can make the kind of detailed riding tack that is one of your particular SPECIALTIES, then making flowers shouldn't prove to be too difficult- especially not with your Amazing Skills!
DeleteDear Elizabeth! I'm happy you came back! it's very good news :-)
ReplyDeleteand, your roses...are STUNNING!!!! when I saw them, I totally love them! I checked immediately your etsy because I hoped to buy some of them... it’s a pity that ...they aren't for sale. But, thank you so much for sharing these pictures, wonderful post! Big hugs!! Magda
Ahhhh Magda!!! It is always a Great Pleasure to hear from you and Thank You Very Much for your Beautiful Words of Praise! :D
DeleteI didn't make these roses for sale because they are experimental. I must tell you that I the first 3 that I made- I LOVED. The next night I made 3 more and they were different and I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. The next night I tried again and I figured out how to make the third group more like the first ones. "Practice makes Perfect" so when I feel like they are finally THERE ( or at least much closer ), that is when I will put them on my Etsy.
BUT... I am Very FLATTERED that you looked! ;P
elizabeth
Excellent!! so I'm expecting your roses at etsy :-))
Delete:D
DeleteOhhh... I am so sorry to read about your loss Elizabeth. But glad that you´re in miniature mood and can get lost in joyful creating.
ReplyDeleteI just LOVE LOVE LOVE everything in this post. The opulence and decadent scenery with the cascading roses, tiny blue and turquise hints among the treasures displayed. I always gets so inspired visiting your blog, and I love the fact that you share so generously your tips and tricks in detailed tutorials.
And thanks a lot for your comment on my video tutorial. I have just posted a new one today on how to make miniature echeverias.
Miniature wishes and hugs
Annie
Hi Annie!!! :D I too am sooooo Glad that my Joy came back! I Praise God for that, because I didn't know how long my disinterest would last, but I really love working with my hands and so did my mother so now I think of it as a way of staying connected to her. :))
DeleteI am DELIGHTED that you have enjoyed this post regarding the Roses! And deciding to include the turquoise and the blues in amongst this explosion of Corals, Reds, and Pinks, felt invigorating to me because I liked the contrast in energies of the cool and hot colors. And unlike some of the scenes which I have made before, EVERYTHING in this grouping cooperated and got along with each other- in PERFECT harmony! :D
elizabeth
So much to adore in these pictures!! All your work is exquisite - the roses are perfection!
ReplyDeleteRx
Oh Thank You Robin!!! :D From one mini gardener to another, I'll say that it felt Really Good to get my hands in the plants once again.
DeleteSummer may still a long way off, but it feels so much closer to me now! :D
elizabeth
Helluuuu Ms E!
ReplyDeleteI do hope you've had some healing time, it is wonderful "seeing" your creations again!
The colors and style are as always so lovely and perfectly done. Your work always reminds me of the romantic paintings of a styled past. The flowers are so lovey it makes me long for warmer weather and greenery *sigh*
I hope your creativity is always inspired lady, I look forward to your posts ;)
HAllllllooooo Milady Fanaticus!!!! :D Lovely to see you here Jane and Thank You for your Kind concern and for your Lovely compliment! When I was composing this scene I was thinking of it as a painter would a canvas.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Roses and it gave me great pleasure to make these one, but I am hoping to make even more and to improve my technique as well. Still learning.
I'm looking forward to sharing the Bird Cage how to very shortly, so please Stay tuned. :D
elizabeth
Elizabeth, what a lovely, lovely post. I enjoyed reading it so much I went through your pics twice and spotted different things on each occasion. The roses are beautiful and I'm a tad inspired to finally open a kit of them that I've had sitting around for ages!
ReplyDeleteThank You Very Much Irene, for your comment but my response to you re: your opening your rose kit is TO JUST GO FOR IT! However, I know just what you mean about them sitting around for ages ( unopened ) because mine still are too! :D
ReplyDeleteelizabeth
Oh my gosh! Those roses are gorgeous! You've created the most amazing little scene tucked full of priceless treasures. No wonder you couldn't stop taking photos. But you must have the same problem with all your projects. They all have such high quality and impeccable execution. This one is truly romantic. And it really looks like it belongs in Victoria Magazine. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you are having a new desire to try out new projects. Loss is so hard. You feel so lost and numb. Life seems weird after that. And things just don't make any sense and don't really matter. But that's just a stage of mourning. And I'm glad your zeal has returned. The pain will always be there. But you'll be able to overcome it with the good memories. You're a tough cookie! And I'm so happy to see you back. I can't wait to see those new projects!
big hugs♥♥♥,
Caroline
Good Morning Caroline! Thank You for your compliment regarding my roses! I enjoyed making every one of them, and the leaves too. I'm not finished with them though, and hope to make some more trying out different papers.
DeleteLoss IS hard but each day does bring some special joy of its own, now that the initial shock has subsided. For a while a lot of things didn't matter anymore, just as you've said, and the only sense they made was that I KNOW that God is in control through out it all, and that what I couldn't understand- GOD DID so I have had to trust HIM and know that my mother was were she had lived her life to BE... with GOD.
My passion for miniatures is reviving but it is funny to hear myself called "a tough cookie" because I always think of myself a bit of a whimp! hahahha
So THANK YOU for your words of Encouragement Caroline. They've been a Wonderful way to begin my day! :D
elizabeth
Bonjour Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteil y a déjà quelques jours que j'ai vu votre nouvel article mais je voulais y revenir quand j'avais le temps, pour bien tout lire et surtout détailler vos merveilleuses photos. Comme toujours chaque image fait penser à un tableau et l’œil ne sait où se poser car tout est si beau. En effet, avec vos roses vous avez très bien commencé l'année. Je vous la souhaite également pleine de créations,... et de bonheurs.
Good morning Jean-Claude! Thank you for making the return trip to my blog to see the photos again. It Always makes me happy when people enjoy the photos as well as their subject! :D
DeleteI spent a lot of time playing with all of the items that you see and other than a few minor changes, I have left everything AS IS because I still enjoy looking at it too, but I am still practicing making roses, as I haven't yet discovered the 'PERFECT" paper to use. It is both interesting and fun to see how the different papers respond to applied mediums and manipulation.
Still, I am Delighted that you have enjoyed the results thus far! :D
elizabeth
Absolutely stunning! I am dazzled once again!
ReplyDeleteThank You VERY MUCH Karen!:D I am sooooo Glad that you have enjoyed this posting. I am currently working on the tutorial for the making of the Bird Cages and should have it ready to post by the end of next week. That is,- IF I don't Accidently erase it again,as I did a few days ago. :{
ReplyDeleteelizabeth :D
Hi Elizabeth! Sorry to be so late with my comment. I had commented much earlier on but I was not signed in and after I finished signing in, my comment had disappeared and I just did not have the heart to start over again. Hence, my putting it off. I love your beautiful, plump roses. Along with those amazing birdcages you have created and the elegant perfume bottles, they make me want to go back in time and lounge on a nineteenth century lounge chair with my embroidery and a nice cup of tea. You have such a wonderful knack for taking photos and I never get tired of looking at them. Once again, thank you so much for the eye candy treat!
ReplyDeleteThank You Lucille for taking the time and trying again! :D
DeleteEvery aspect of assembling this vignette was 100% enjoyable and the experience of taking the photos was truly the icing on the cake! It is difficult to decide which I enjoyed doing more. :))
I am currently working again on the birdcage tutorial. Like you, I was nearly done and hit the wrong button and the entire post was Wiped Out!
Of course, now I've learned which button NOT to press. :(
elizabeth :D
Thank You Very Much Aniela!:D And what a BEAUTIFUL compliments about my houses being "magical places" and that you "Love my blog"; both of which is Wonderful for me to hear- THANK YOU!!! :D
ReplyDeleteelizabeth
Hi Elizabeth! I am late with my comment, momently very busy with my grandchilderen...you created an amazing miniature scene, so nostalgic...The colors and style are very romantic, luggage and cake tray are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward for your birdcage tutorial. Thank you for sharing the magniicent pictures!
Have a nice week!
Hi Nono! I'd say that You are Very Blessed to be busy with your Grandchildren, because for me that is still but a dream. *sigh*
DeleteYet I am Delighted that you have enjoyed the cake tray and the birdcages, Nono, and Thank You for your lovely words! :D
I should have the tutorial completed for the birdcages by the end of the this week, but in the meantime - I wish you too- a Beautiful Week ahead! :D
elizabeth
Just gorgeous..
ReplyDeleteThank You VERY Much Kaz! This post is one of my All Time Favourites as I absolutely Adore roses; both real and mini!
Deleteand I'm Glad you do, too! :D
elizabeth