"The phrase al fresco is borrowed from Italian for "in the cool [air]", although it is not in current use in that language to refer to dining outside. Instead, Italians use the phrases fuori or all'aperto.
In Italian, the expression al fresco usually refers to spending time in jail." .... Wikipedia
In Italian, the expression al fresco usually refers to spending time in jail." .... Wikipedia
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| The Miniteers came over to my house last Wednesday. Linda Park came too, via SKYPE. It was wonderful to get together with my friends again. Janine will be leaving for Europe soon, and Fats has been very busy with "Fats things", Linda's in Australia experiencing buckets of RAIN just as we are here. Most days find me cooped up inside, staying warm and dry, wrapped snuggly in my red plaid bathrobe, which has been my standard at- home uniform for several weeks running. Following our Miniteer's Day on Thursday, and still feeling re-charged after their visit, I was back to diddling around with VILLA LEONE. As I was working on the interior staircase, I needed something and went hunting for it. That's when I chanced upon a couple of peel and stick FAKE GRASS floor tiles, which I'd entirely forgotten I had. I might have intended them for Green Dolphin Street's garden, but never mind about that now, because a Good Idea suddenly presented itself. I abandoned construction inside the Villa so that I could go and play outside. |
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| The flexible tiles are 12 inches square and very GREEN. My Good Idea is to use them as a hedge for Villa Leone, so I thought I would give it a pretrial try out. I grabbed the unattached side patio from the Villa and stood both tiles up against it. I found a ugly lion fountain which I'd forgotten I had. It is perched upon a table for the photo shoot, then I filled the bowl with peaches. |
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| *This lion kinda reminds me of the cowardly lion from the "Wizard of OZ" ,all he lacks is courage! * |
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| I put out a variety of potted plants and flowers which usually sit waiting forever inside plastic storage boxes; the rose tree I'd made for the balcony of Villa Leone but the blue hydrangeas were made by Fats specifically for "Lands End". as I found more stuff, new ideas for settings began taking shape, soon to become the scenes expressing the title of this post: "DINING AL FRESCO" |
LUNCH TIME
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| I'm using the patio table which I've shown you before. The columns are eventually going inside the Villa but they do look pretty against the hedge, don't they? I was afraid they would topple over and break something so I took them down, but this very formal look gives me more food for thought... The table cloth is a round cotton doily which I cut down after I had painted one side with a mix of fabric glue and water. The underside of the cloth is glued to some thin acetate cut to the same diameter as the table, so that later on I can lift the table cloth off clean and simple. * a handy trick I'd learned from Janine* I draped the cloth while it was still damp and held the folds with bulldog clips. Since this scene is only a try out, I wasn't too fussy about the way the folds looked, they can and will be re-shaped when it is time to get serious! When the folds were dry they stayed put long enough for all of the pictures. |
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on the menu isBaked Ciambotta (Mixed Vegetable Stew with a loaf of crusty bread, and a pitcher of chilled white wine.
The Wonderful French blue Le Creuset Dutch Oven, is actually a fridge magnet which Janine brought to gift one to each of the Miniteers last Wednesday.
Linda's is yellow, and Fats chose orange It's Perfect and I LOVE IT! :D |
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| A large pot of lavender sits on the table too. *note to self, Make More Lavender! * *** the DINNER MENU |
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| More Crusty Bread |
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| home-made red Wine |
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| AND a Succulent Roast leg of Lamb, cooked medium rare, and served with roasted yellow potatoes, garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary! * made by Fatima* |
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| so juicy that it makes my mouth water! |
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| ripe green and black olives made by me |
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DESSERT course:
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| ripe peaches and a bowl of sweet cherries |
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| a sponge cake with cherry jam between the layers garnished with toasted coconut |
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| * golden cherries on the stems made by Erzsebet of Hungarian Miniatures* hungarianminiatures  |
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| fruit compote made by me in the 1990's |
minismarillum The roses are by CARMEN at minismarillum |
| Her roses with the graceful grassy filler are displayed in a tall green glass vase- a Seattle Show gift from Janine. |
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| another experimental layered torte of mine |
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| Surprise Surprise! a sock monkey arrived a few weeks ago from Seattle, Washington * a SUPER SWEET and unexpected gift from my friend Dena H." * xoxo :D ~ after such a long day, it's nice to just sit and enjoy the garden |
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| ahhhh... It feels good to relax! |
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| Well whatdaya know?! I just got a call from some friends passing through town. The're coming over for a quick visit. I need to clear the table, then reset it again with pretty floral china and assorted fancy cakes, even though they don't plan on staying long- you never know until after they get here |
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okay- Everything's ready |
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| Welcome friends! I'm serving coffee in the garden- I'm so glad you came; ♥ elizabeth and because it is Easter weekend- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhe8KhSxWGo |
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Elizabeth...."how do I love your work? Let me count the ways."
ReplyDeleteIt is always an inspiration to be with you and visit your creations in person. But now I do insist on going back to feast on the amazing settings you have shown here. The pastries, so good! The layer cake yum, yum! etc etc. And thank you for making my leg of lamb roast look ready to eat and enjoy. Thanks to a great YouTuber "SugarCharmShop" thanks to her amazing instructions. And cannot forget to mention that Villa Leone is promising to be yet another true work of art.
Hey Fatima!
DeleteI am Glad to see you out and about in Blogland again! :D
We had fun on Wednesday and being in your company always gets my battery going my Dear Friend. As Usual, I am THRILLED to be on the receiving end of your considerable Talents and your new leg of lamb is truly DROOL worthy Fatima, so keep watching those Sugar Charms youtube videos, because as a first effort, your mini meat looks good enough to eat! :D
elizabeth
You've done it again! It all looks so delicious and what a wonderful garden to enjoy it all in. Can't wait to see it all in person. And I bet you had a lot of fun doing the arrangements!
ReplyDeleteCheers, Linda
Hi Linda! I am Glad to see you here and what a comforting surprise to see that we both own similar housecoats! :D
DeleteI had fun making this garden scene Linda but it was yet another quick diversion from doing anymore REAL WORK on the Villa.
Today began with more rain but about mid afternoon the sun has come out and it actually feels like SPRING!
Perhaps by tomorrow morning I may be able to have my REAL toast and coffee al fresco in the garden too :D
elizabeth
It all looks delicious. I can see myself tucking in to enjoy that. Whadda feast! Seriously every bit of it looks perfectly real enough so I am salivating. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI sent you an email at the address you gave me on my blog. I copied and pasted it straight from your comment. Sadly, no response. ;-(
I am very envious of those miniteer's meetings. You just don't know how very lucky you are to have mini interest friends living close enough for get together's! :-)
Hi Catherine! Thank You for your comment and for your compliment! :D
DeleteI have had some "serious" ( read, caused by me) problems with my laptop a least a week so if you would still like my email address I can try leaving it with you again.
Meanwhile, our Miniteer meetings have become somewhat irregular since both Fats and Janine are in and out of town for long stretches at a time and as for Linda we can only catch her on a Fly By! Which is why when we do get together, we try to Make it Count! :D
but you are right about having friends with the same interests and living relatively close too, because it REALLY IS a Blessing ♥
Happy Easter weekend Catherine!
elizabeth
Happy Easter Elizabeth!!!
DeleteYes please.. If you can leave it again on the last post in my blog. THANK YOU!!! ;-)
C'est un merveilleux décor,que tu as créé Elizabeth !
ReplyDeleteUne touche de romantisme, des plats savoureux (je ne mange plus d'agneau depuis plus de 40 ans et plus de viande du tout depuis plusieurs mois).
J'accepte volontiers de passer un moment à cette table en prenant un café et quelques pâtisseries ;)
*Joyeuses Fêtes de Pâques* Bises. Joce
I hear you Joce! Lots of people are changing their diets to include less or no meat at all. Personally, lamb is out of my budget, however we are having a leg of lamb for Easter dinner tomorrow also served with roasted potatoes; life imitating art!
DeleteEating sweets and drinking coffee is something I tend to indulge in far too often, but sharing time with friends I can never have too much of.
Have a Wonderful Easter weekend Joce! :D
elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth, What a lovely surprise to see your post and what a wonderful way you showcase so many of your creations and treasures. I always enjoy seeing your vignettes.
ReplyDeleteIt was so inspiring to spend time together once again and what a bonus to have Linda loud and clear on Skype for part of that time. Thank you both for your gifts.
Hugs Janine
Hi Janine! As you know, I am very easily distracted and although I was raring to go on getting some more work done inside the Villa, I could't resist the call of a garden scene once I'd found the fake grass tiles.
DeleteIt gave me the perfect opportunity to immediately show off the darling Le Creuset, since the Villa's kitchen is such a LONG way off!
Getting Linda to join us via Skype was indeed an added bonus, but it will be even better when we get to visit with her in person! :D
Have A Blessed Easter weekend my friend, and Thank YOu for the pleasure of your company!
elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth, the scene looks great and the food delicious. Good job! The the monkey is just perfect!
ReplyDeleteHi Mirel! :D I LOVE that little sock monkey too, and the woman who sent it to me has a heart "AS BIG AS TEXAS"!
DeleteI am Delighted that you have enjoyed the garden scenes, because it was not only mentally relaxing but lots of fun assembling each of them. :))
Have a Wonderful Easter weekend Mirel!
elizabeth
I just want to come over and enjoy all the delicious looking food.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Kleine Vingers! I'm with you, and Fatima's roasted leg of lamb with the roasted potato's on the side would be the first thing on my list to try! :D
DeleteThank You for your Delicious comment and I wish you a Very Happy Easter weekend!
elizabeth
Ahhh... Spending time in jail, kind of like how we say "cooling your heels". The grass tile totally looks like a wall of evergreen bush! What a great idea! Seeing your impeccably detailed scenes gets me so excited to work on my projects! I imagine as you go through your treasures auditioning for just the right ones that you become giddy and supercharged with ideas. Thank you so much for sharing your incredible talents and lovingkindness! It truly is a joy! Hope you have a blessed Easter and many mornings wrought with sunshine to enjoy coffee and toast Al Fresco!
ReplyDeleteYou know what Jodi! When I wrote the JAIL ending it seemed funny to me in light of the Wikipedia excerpt, although later I changed my mind thinking perhaps it was in Bad Taste since someone MAY have had that particular experience... ah me.
DeleteTherefore, after "cooling my heels" I amended the ending to something more positive since Jail and coffee in the garden Al fresco, don't actually go together regardless of what Wikipedia says!
But now I must Thank You for the rest of your Lovely comment! :D
I agree that the grass tiles will make the perfect looking hedges with very little extra effort and going through my storage boxes refreshes me by not only remembering where and what they are, but placing them in a scene is makes me feel good! :D
Wishing you a Blessed Easter weekend Jodi and Thank You for your Great sense of humor too! :D
elizabeth
Another beautiful setting. Villa Leona is going to be marvellous! It is already. Everything looks so real and yummy. I can picture myself sitting there and enjoy the feast with close friends. Also what a blessing to get together with good friends to share your passion. I am always impressed with your work. I love it!
ReplyDeleteHello Alexandra and Thank You for your Lovely comment! :D
DeleteI tend to progress slowly with short bursts of speed in between so often my projected vision is well ahead of my hands. Being able to construct temporary in-term scenes satisfies both my hands and my impatience! :))
I'm also Very Glad that you can picture yourself in the garden, because for me- that's what minis is all about. :D
Have a Wonderful Easter weekend Alexandra!
elizabeth
Thank you for this wonderful invitation! How delightful! What beautiful scenes, It is a perfect place to relax and spend good moments with friends with great food.
ReplyDeleteGeneviève
Thank You Very Much Genevieve, for both your comment and your generous compliment!
DeleteAlthough constructing the Villa's garden is still a LONG way off, this was a nice little interlude until I do! ;P
I recently acquired a large pergola kit which I hope to include over the garden's eating area when I finally build for real.
Wishing you a Very Happy Easter weekend Genevieve, and Thank You for coming and enjoying your visit! :D
elizabeth
Comme toujours chez vous Elizabeth, j'aime passer du temps à regarder en détails vos photos et à tout revoir plusieurs fois car chaque détail est surprenant de réalisme et de beauté.
ReplyDeleteComme j'aimerai faire partie de vos invités pour participer à ce merveilleux repas dans ce cadre enchanteur.
Bonnes fêtes de Pâques.
Good Afternoon Jean-Claude and Thank You Very Much for your comment! It makes me happy that you enjoy seeing the details in each of the photos! :)) It is gratifying when people linger to further examine and explore, and so my efforts are rewarded.
DeleteWishing you a Marvelous Easter weekend Jean-Claude, and Thank you for you visit!
elizabeth
Elizabeth, you're a magician! You transport us to a wonderful place where all the senses are satisfied
ReplyDeleteIt's a great feat
Happy Easter
Hi Claude! :D
DeleteI wish I were "A Magician" then I would ZAP the construction of the Villa as DONE, so I could focus on the more fun parts of gardening and decorating! ;P
Nevertheless, making this corner of a garden was indeed "satisfying". :) Here on the Canadian West coast, the sun has been shining for 2 days in a row and so it is finally feeling like SPRING both outside in my Real Life garden, as well as inside at The Villa.
Have a Great weekend Claude, and I wish you a Very Happy Easter!:D
elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth! How I always enjoy seeing your mini creations and the miniature scenes you create so well. It's all so atmospherical and beautiful to see!
ReplyDeleteI wish (again) I lived more near you, so I could come over to see it all with my own eyes, I bet it would be a feast for the eyes :D!
All of the miniature food looks delicious and mouth watering, I bet that your "guests" will love to take a piece of the sweets/cakes ;)! Thank you for sharing the links to other miniaturists.
Wishing you and your family a Happy Easter!
Hugs, Ilona
Greetings Ilona and Thank you for your Kind and lovely words! :D
DeleteI think you know how much I idolize your talents with not just flowers but also your Amazing Creativity and your attention to detail, so your praise is always most welcomed! :))
Unfortunately, the photos do not always match reality and so what you would see in person is:
-a Very messy room with piles of confusing stuff on a work table,
-a gutted dollhouse with on-going demolition and very little construction taking place
-wall to wall stuffed storage containers and shelf units weighted down with magazines and books, minis as well as other clutter, in other words- ORGANIZED CHAOS! - certainly not very appealing to look at, so I have learned to close my eyes to it- like this ><
It is much safer to "feast your eyes" on the photos, because the reality- BITES! ouch! :((
I have enjoyed your visit here Ilona, and I wish you a Very Happy Easter too!
and HAPPY EASTER to the "Little You" grandma, grandpa and to all the little chickens on the farm :D
elizabeth
elizabeth
I love this. Everything is so beautifully presented.
ReplyDeleteThank You Irene for your comment and compliment regarding the presentation! :D
DeleteA long time ago, I remember hearing something said on a T.V. cooking show about presentation being just as important to a diner as the food they were eating, however it was my mother in law who taught me the pleasure of setting a beautiful table. Setting one in miniature is doubly fun because then I get to use the tiny china!
Enjoy your Easter weekend Irene and Thank you again for your visit! :D
elizabeth
¡Qué escena más bonita has preparado!. Está todo en su sitio y colocado con gran delicadeza.Me encanta el ambiente.
ReplyDeleteThank You Very Much Isabel! :D I've enjoyed reading your comment and I am Really Happy that you've enjoyed the atmosphere of the garden.
ReplyDeleteThere is a real sense of power which comes from our being able to control the times and the seasons in Miniature, which we can't do in our Real Life gardens, i.e. in my own mini world, it is ALWAYS early Summer and it NEVER EVER rains!
I wish you a Wonderful Easter weekend Isabel :D
elizabeth
Oh, yeah, I am starving now. hahaha! What a delightful array of fine foods and sweets. I will need to have seconds and thirds...and pack up any leftovers to do it all again tomorrow. :D
ReplyDeleteHi Brae! Oh yeah, I'm all about leftovers too, however I'll use any excuse to double down and go to town when it comes to eating too many sweets, which gets washed down with several cups of black coffee;
Deleteand "do it all again tomorrow" Aye-yah!!!! :O
Thank you Brae for your visit and for your Very Appetizing comment, and I wish you a Very Happy Easter weekend! :D
elizabeth
You're making me so hungry looking at all this delicious food! I'm jealous of Sock Monkey getting to sit and smell all of it.
ReplyDeleteLooks just wonderful.
Hi Sheila! I had to pack away all of the food on the table, just so that I wasn't eating it with my eyes, then making another trip to the kitchen to eat something For Real! ;((
DeleteSock Monkey told me that mini foods are actually NON-FATTENING, which explains was why he was stuffing himself at the table. He's a cute little monkey but I don't think that I believe him. ;P
Meanwhile Have a Wonderful Easter weekend Sheila, and Thank You Very Much for your Gracious comment and for stopping by to visit! :D
elizabeth
I don't know why but food always tastes better when it's eaten outside. I love your scene and if there's crusty bread and fancy cakes on offer...I'm there! :0D
ReplyDeleteHi Pepper! I am a BREAD NUT too! I love making it miniature but eat far too much of it in Real Life, nevertheless you are right in saying that everything seems to "taste better when it's eaten outside" real or otherwise.
DeleteMaking this outdoor scene was satisfying for me for a number of different reasons but primarily because with it, I was 100% able to control the weather in the garden; a significant factor for a control freak like me. :]
But rest assured that there will ALWAYS be fair weather, fancy cakes and crusty bread just you Pepper, for whenever you're in town! :D
Enjoy your Easter Sunday!
elizabeth
Hello Elizabeht,
ReplyDeletewatching your pictures make me fell like I´m in holidays.
So many fantastic details. The decoration is great. All the jummy food at the table. The nice porcelain, the fantastic flowers...
Everything is perfect!!! You are a great artist.
Happy easter to you and your family.
Greetings and a big hug
Melli
Greetings to you too Melli and Thank You for feeling like you are on a holiday after seeing the pictures- That's Wonderful! :D
DeleteMaking the garden was a restful experience for me, and being able to display the gifts from my friends and utilize some of my favorite dollhouse china made me feel Happy! :D
It is always Lovely to read your comments and I wish you a Very Happy Easter Sunday too! :D
elizabeth
There's nothing like a good "Kaffeeklatsch"... especially at Easter... and even more with an experimental layered cake that looks very tasty. Speaking of tasty, I fear I just gained a pound or two just reading your menu... ;O) I'm glad you found those very inspiring grass tiles, they make a great job as a hedge and in this case as the scene's background - and the made you go on a treasure hunt. Well, it's the weekend for Easter egg hunt so thanks for filling my virtual nest with many lovely Easter eggs. Happy Easter to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Birgit
Hello Birgit!
DeleteI had to GOOGLE "Kaffeeklatsch" to understand the definition and discovered that this word is one that I grew up with, only my mother called it her "coffee clatch" which was a group of her friends who got together to play cards, drink coffee, eat cake and talk about their kids for hours on end! I had no idea that it was a real word with European origins; I learn something new every day! :D
Anyway, I am glad that I found those grass tiles too, because they immediately gave the impression of a Green Room enclosure which is not only private but constantly in use.
Perhaps when I get to the permanent installation, I can incorporate an mini version of an Easter egg hunt in it too- you just never know.... ;P
Have a VERY Happy Easter Birgit and Thank You for your "Educational" comment, which I've Thoroughly enjoyed. Your one word has brought up a flood of wonderful memories of my mother! :D
elizabeth
elizabeth
Dear Elizabeth, Bella bella bella!!!! I Love it when you have a "little" play with things from your stash!!! One of the items on my "someday" list of projects is a formal garden.... Well...! Your "set-up" just took my Daydreams to a whole new level!!! LOL! I can't begin to describe how lovely I think all your "pieces" are... even the Cowardly Fountain! Your garden terrace is just Divine!!! those delicate china cups.... the silver cupid tiered tray.... (where did you find that???)... the perfect petit-fours.....the flowers.... and even the LeCreuset casserole (I have a RL red one!).....!!! Not to mention the beautiful fruits and breads.... Well, I'm ringing your doorbell shortly!!! LOL! Thank you for sharing another of your Breathtaking mini scenes!!! (This only took me twenty minutes to type one handed! I must be improving!):)
ReplyDeleteOh my Dear Betsy-Bless your bones: What a valiant Trooper you are, to have typed such a Lovely comment with only one hand!♥
DeleteYou are right though, in saying that it was an opportunity for a "little play with things from my stash!" :D Similar to the story of the grasshopper and the ant; when I should be working on the Villa I found myself "fiddling around" in the garden.
I'm not sure where or when I acquired the cowardly lion fountain head, but he has come in very handy and now he is actually growing on me!
The mix and match china is always a pleasure to unwrap, as well as setting up the table with, but the cupid tiered trays are home-made from large paper brads picked up from MICHAEL'S. The angels are earring studs glued on, then everything was painted with nail polish. The petit fours are contrived from styrofoam trays, air dry clay and whatever else I could coax into looking edible. I'm Very Glad you like the end results. :D
This was a Fun little interlude and it is VERY gratifying that you have enjoyed looking at it as much as I did putting it all together, Thank You Betsy!
I wish you and yours a VERY HAPPY EASTER and may your poor wrist heal Quickly and become Stronger than ever! xoxoxo
elizabeth
Oooh that hedge looks fantastic in the background! I've used fake grass samples for the same purpose but yours definitely scales better. It's funny though, its exactly the kind of fake grass which looks the least like actual grass, yet it's super convincing here!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea with the acetate under the tablecloth!
Ohhh that Le Creuset pot looks SO REAL! O_O The sponge cake too, om nom nom - why do I always see such delicious looking minis when I'm on a diet? XD
Thanks Christine- your observations are Spot On! :D
DeleteI don't recall what I had originally thought to do with these two tiles but as "grass" for either mini or in 1:1 they just don't cut it! The nap is about 1/4 inch high far too long for a dollhouse lawn but with the self adhesive backing being so thin, I can't imagine ever trying to walk on them, however, as temporary faux hedges they certainly do fill the bill.
But regarding dieting: I think that I'll have to quit making mini desserts for a while, because they make me want to raid the fridge, far too often! ;P
elizabeth
Your posts always create such great atmosphere! And this one did not disappoint! Everything looks wonderful and very well done. How fun---
ReplyDeleteThank You Very Much for your comment and for your compliment, Linda! :D
DeleteWith so much cold, dull weather and far too much rain, it was Uplifting to be able to create a colorful and "atmospheric" garden space right in front of me, not to mention a way to express my gratefulness for all of the generous gifts from my friends.
I'm very glad that you've enjoyed it and I hope that your Easter holiday weekend was a Good One! ♥
elizabeth
Un trabajo maravilloso !!!!!, es tan real y tan bien hecho
ReplyDeleteThank You Eloisa for your comment and for your compliment on the garden. :))
DeleteI take great pleasure in trying to make my scenes look as real as I am able, so it is Wonderful for you to tell me that I have been successful! :D
Mini Blessings! ♥
elizabeth
Delicius and incredible work.
ReplyDeleteHappy week. Mini hugs! ;0)
Thank You Very Much Monica! :D
DeleteSince I am always Marveling at your mini baking skills not to mention, your kitchen scenes, I feel honored by your comment and your compliment! ♥
elizabeth
You made me feel like I was in Italy! And I also got very hungry looking at all that food. All so beautifully and realistically done. And I can't believe that hedge is a plastic grass sheet - amazing! Happy Easter! (And that Wikipedia quote is very funny).
ReplyDeleteWhat a Marvelous response in that you felt like you were in Italy, Penelope! ♥ I am can only imagine it, but perhaps one day....
DeleteMeanwhile, Thank You for the rest of your comment, which I also Greatly Appreciate. :D The grass sheets photographed BETTER than I expected and now that I see that they work, I can look forward to using them permanently when I finally build the rest of the garden. :)
Enjoy your week!
elizabeth
p.s. the Wikipedia quote was funny to me too!
Buongiorno Donna Elizabetha,
ReplyDeleteWhjat a feast! Firstly, the grass tile hedge is a fantastic idea! It looks great and I also love filling the fountain with peaches. It is a very nice touch! Your miniature food is incredible (well done Fatima, the roast had me drooling) and I have to mention how much I love your china collection. The white set with the roses is wonderful. Bravissima amica mia!
Big hug
Giac
Ti Ringrazio Tanto, Don Giacomo! :D
DeleteYour comments ALWAYS put a Big smile on my face :D
It make me happy that you like the hedge as well as the peaches in the fountain bowl which was done to add more color to the wall. Fatima's roast leg of lamb is so succulent that it still makes my mouth water whenever I look at it.
But as for my china collection... Every time I decide to go through them, I am enchanted all over again. In Real Life, I am trying to thin out the dinner services, I don't use or need anymore, but when it comes to miniature porcelain I feel that I can NEVER have too much! ;P
Grazie Mille, amico mio :)
Big Hugs BACK!
Donna elizabetha
p.s. the white w. floral china tea service was made by Kaizer
Hi, Elizabeth - I was so happy to find a post from you with more SCENES! I love your detailed vignettes and always study them carefully. You have such a genius for adding layer after layer to your creations - but they never look crowded or "overdone." I haven't figured it out yet, but I'll continue to try! What luck to find those fake-grass tiles in your stash! They do make a perfect hedge; then I can just see how one thing led to another to another... There are so many wonderful things in these scenes - the blue Le Creuset dutch oven from Janine; Fatima's roast leg of lamb (Yum!); all the breads and cakes; the fruits and flowers; the lovely china. I can't get enough of looking at all the wonders. I do hope, though, that there'll be some of that sponge cake with the cherry jam filling left when I come for coffee; I need a slice of that! Thank you for a post that satisfies so many senses!
ReplyDeleteMarjorie
What a Beautiful comment Marjorie- Thank You Very Much! :D
DeleteOne of the joys of constructing vignettes is that they allow one to PLAY when one should actually be WORKING! However sometimes it's good to get an idea out of the system so that afterwards, one can let it go and get back to the more tedious business at hand.
But un-earthing the grass mats for future use as a garden hedge is a solution now firmly fixed in my mind; and Hip Hip Hooray! a problem has been solved ahead of time!
It felt Great to be able to showcase the blue Le Creuset, the roasted leg of lamb and my friend Dena's gift of the sock monkey, since I have some Very Generous friends, both near and far, but have no fear of there not being some cake and coffee the next time you come over Marjorie, because if I am not making progress inside the Villa, then for sure, I'm making food! :D
elizabeth
Que delicia poder comer en ese jardín tan bonito y con una comida tan apetitosa, me paso por tu casa, gracias por tu invitación.
ReplyDeleteEl cesped está muy bien
Un abrazo
Maite
Thank You for your comment and for coming to visit Maite! :D
DeleteI am Very Happy to see you and I am Delighted that you are enjoying the goodies set out for you!
It was a the perfect day to be outside, enjoying the garden whilst also enjoying the company! :D
elizabeth
Dear Elizabeth...You never cease to amaze with all your abilities to create such realistic and beautiful scenes. Right at the moment when there is snow on the ground here in Winnipeg (after a beautiful sunny Friday with warm plus 18C) it would be so lovely to linger in the garden scene that has been created with your very gifted eye for detail. The wine set out for sipping along a decadent roast meal and some intelligent conversation; selecting the perfect sweet to have with a cup of tea as the conversation rises and swells with a variety of topics....what an exquisite setting in which to entertain or to daydream. Once again your post inspires, encourages and teaches me to reach for the best in my imagination and create scenes that are not only believable but incredibly beautiful. You are such a master in taking 'this and that' and creating gorgeous items...thank you for sharing! May the Easter season be the beginning of a year filled with blessings! Cheers, Alayne
ReplyDeleteHi Alayne! I feel your pain regarding the extreme weather conditions. We have had much of the same kind of radical temperature fluctuations, with RAIN rather than snow. Sudden cold torrential downpours then Hot sunny weather right on its heels and then more of the Rain. Plants are hesitant to bloom
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say that making the garden scene was emotionally therapeutic. It chased all the blues away,while at the same time allowed me to showcase some of the lovely gifts from my wonderful friends which would otherwise be waiting perhaps for years, inside a box.
Your comment was a Joy to read and adds to the pleasure of your visit! Thank You Very Much Alayne, and I may your life be Filled with Great Blessings too! :D
elizabeth
hi Elizabeth
ReplyDeleteI love the table setting, my girl you have the magic touch!! I havent been around lately Ive been busy looking for work and living my life I have a new dog that fills the hole in my heart so I spend lots of time laughing, smiling and enjoying life which I haven't done in a long time I do have a few things sitting on the coffee table that Im going to finish up today thanks for the inspiration my dear. your garden scene is just perfect and Im glad I came but Im sorry I missed the original posting date.
Mini Hugs
Marisa :)
Hi Marisa and Thank You Very Much for enjoying the Table Settings! I Really Appreciate your taking the time to comment and I am so Happy that your little Lilly is feeling better!
DeleteI just had quite a scare with my dog's health care too so I know how unsettling, scary and time consuming that worry can be.
No worries about the original posting date since your visits are ALWAYS Welcomed Pleasure Marisa.
a Big Hug Back at you! :D
elizabeth
Thank you Elisabeth! Your praise honors me very much, you also make such beautiful miniatures!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice week!
Sigrid
Thank You for your visit Sigrid and for your comment and for your compliment!
DeleteI have been reading some of your older posts to try and catch up on what you have been doing and have forwarded your link to a friend of mine whom I think will also enjoy your Beautiful Blog! :D
Enjoy the upcoming weekend and Thank you once again! :D
elizabeth
You don't realise it but I just had tea outside with you. Many thanks. Cakes were yummy. Lovely work as always and you have a magic touch when it comes to display of all kinds. Marilyn
ReplyDeleteSo THAT'S where those missing cakes disappeared to! hahaha :D
DeleteNever mind Marilyn there are MORE where those came from and I am Delighted that you're here helping me eat them. Please stay and have another cuppa tea- we still have LOTS to talk about! ♥
elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth, your collection of miniature accessories always inspires me. I got half way through the post and went off in search of the Le Creuset magnets... Many days later and opps!... I realized I forgot to comment! I have to say the turf grass looks perfect as a hedge and you have some very talented mini florist friends :) The whole scene is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteHi Kristine! Thanks for your return visit and for your Sweet comment too! I DO indeed have some very talented mini friends and it is always a treat to be able to share them, with each other.
ReplyDeleteThe turf grass AS IS turned out better looking than any hedge I could make myself and these 2 tiles should provide enough material to do both sides as well as the top providing I cut it right.
Glad that all of it meets with your Approval Kristine, Thank YOU! :D
elizabeth
p.s. I hope that you were able to locate the box of Le Creuset fridge magnets. If not then leave an inquiry on Janine's MINWORKS BLOG and she should be able to tell you where she found them. :)