Thursday 4 June 2020

NOW VOYAGER! / BATHROOM ADVENTURES @ LAND'S END




My apologies 
for taking so long 
to log my 
ADVENTURES 
re: the making and re-makings
of the bathroom
@
LAND'S END

I've no excuse to offer 
other than that there were times I was just too lazy 
and/or uninspired to work on it. 

Inspiration for the bathroom 
came in waves 
but as of today, 
(fingers crossed)
all that's left to do 
is to add the ceiling to the cottage
and then move on to the exterior.  
So without further delay-
let's weigh anchor 
and
 let the Orinoco flow! 

so.... 
Back in March 2020,
 before I began work on the bedroom,
https://studioeminiatures.blogspot.com/2020/04/a-long-days-journey-into-night-lands.html 
I took the opportunity of  replacing the bathroom's original wallpaper 
 to what you see above.
Both the bedroom wallpaper and the bathroom wallpaper, were glued 
end to end onto a single template,
then 
that template was glued onto the exterior wall.

The bathroom wallpaper also needed to be installed onto the interiors of all the connecting walls before I could finish the bedroom,
and the kitchen.
It was only after I'd completed both of the other rooms, 
that I took a long, hard look at the effect of the vertical stripes on all 3 of the bathroom walls. 
The space felt like a shoebox
very tall and narrow, and the skinny vertical stripe accentuated its "elevator-look" even more.


After thinking over what to do and where to begin,
I decided the best course of action was to break up the vertical stripes with some "cottagey"wainscotting, 

similar to what's in the living room.
In hindsight,
it would have been better to have installed it as shiplap 
but that's now water under the bridge. 

 I made 3 wall templates using cereal boxes and proceeded to glue coffee stir sticks to the card.
I made the wainscotting higher on the back wall than on the sides,

just as I'd done in the living room; 
but because of the protrusions of the  2 channel supports which I needed to use to stabilize the interior walls, 
it caused the wainscotting to stop short of the corners
which presented an additional design problem 
for me,
of how to tie the panels in.    



I didn't want to paint over the dark wood
nor did I want to paint the wainscotting panels dark,

so I postponed making any decisions
 until all the wainscotting was finished. 

The Bathroom door(s):


It had taken me a while to finally go with a split door (minus a threshold) 

rather than with a single one. 
These doors proved to be more difficult to install
 than the bedroom door had been.  
Very Frustrating! 
Even so,
it resulted in additional usable floor space 
inside this tall skinny space
 which was 
worth the extra effort. 

TUBS: 
I have at least 4 different styles of miniature tubs in my drawer of bathroom fittings. 
I've been finding them here and there,
usually in the toy department of thrift stores.

 Some are in decent shape and some are not. 
I decided to use this ceramic one 
because I think it suits the style of this cottage. 

The interior of the tub is rather crude.
And even with some sanding it's only just 
"OKAY"
which is Ideal for Land's End!



  The toy sink and toilet pictured below
are also from the thrift store. 



And although they're obviously a set,

 the toilet is puny next to the  HUGE bathroom sink so 
I jetisoned the toilet 
and only used the sink 
which was not only the right size 
but the right vintage style too! 




It was easy to unsnap the sink from its backing, 
and cut away the support brackets
 from the body of pink plastic.  



As work on the bathroom continued,
I eventually cut the brackets down to their bare minimum and painted them black 
which you'll see later on in this post.

In the meantime...

 The toilet I decided to use
 came from the candy section of a dollar store with lollipops sticking out of the hole at the top of the tank and a bowl full of sour powder. 
The lollipops were Yummy but the powder 
was chucked overboard!  - YUK! 

And because the light passed through the plastic,
 I ended up painting the insides of the plastic with a couple of coats 
of white chalk paint as well as black acrylic paint 
for more opacity 
and it worked! 

I've covered the hole on top of the tank with a little pan which Janine had given me and filled it with a colourful collection of tiny sea shells.

I still have to decide on an flush handle but this is how it looks so far. 
By the way,
the lid opens and closes 
but there's no seat over the bowl
and I can't be bothered making one
for a lid I'll never lift. 




Because the style of this toilet 

is more modern than vintage, 
I went online and ordered a vintage looking one 
and will wait to see which one looks best: 
but in the interim;
 this one will do. 

I'll also mention 
the addition of a shelf on the back wall.
Adding the shelf and the nail hooks,
was instrumental in determining 
the final layout of the bath fittings, 
because in order to easily access 
the hooks and the shelf; 
I needed to move the tub to the side wall.

In order to put a mirror over the sink
I needed enough wall space above it 
which by default
 left the toilet under the bathroom window 
and 
 directly in front of the bathroom doors: 
not an ideal location for a toilet
 in my estimation, 
but hey!
"them's the breaks".

I didn't realize at the time I was installing the doors, 
that the toilet would end up in front of it, 
but
I'd intentionally installed the door opening
 in line with the window
 so that when you look through
there's a view staight into the kitchen 
from the outside;


here's the view from the outside the bathroom window-IN:  




And from the inside the bathroom -OUT



LIGHTING:



For the overhead lighting 
I was going to go with the lantern
but I felt that the light was too dim and yellow. 

I ended up making one 
from brass tubing; a white plastic ball and assorted bead caps


I threaded the wires through an overhead beam and hooked them up to a transformer to see if I liked it and I DO!
 Later on, in the build

 I shortened the brass tube by 1/2 inch  
to raise the fixture higher.


As the bathroom began acquiring a personality;
 I was taking more and more pictures. 

It was as I was looking at the following one,
 that I thought about adding more shelves




Obviously, I needed a place for storing
 towels, bath products, photos 

and other related items 
AND 
I had all this available vertical wall space! 


At first I tried an enclosed cupboard shelf unit
which looked top heavy as well as impractical.

I felt that the shelves should be open and simple, 
so I made some with tongue depressors,
 and stained them brown to tie in 
with the support beams in the corners. 

 I didn't like it that much
and although the green towels fit; 
they didn't look good either.  
So-
 I painted the shelves in a watery, 
off-white chalk paint; 
enough to cover the wood stain 
 but not completely obliterate it. 

Then I glued the shelf unit 
onto the wall and began searching through my stash to find better towels and other cool stuff
 to place on the shelves. 


I spent the next few days trying out different combinations 
until I could get most of what I wanted, 
on display,
after which I continued editing and tweaking and photographing it.   



It wasn't long before I decided I wanted
to add a light to the corner of the bottom shelf,
so I found one I'd saved in my stash, 

which had suffered severe damage during
those infamous"garage" days.

It used to be a shiny hanging lamp fixture,

 but 12 years of neglect in my damp garage 
had corroded the metal so badly that it literally 
fell apart in my hands.
Nevertheless, 
it was precisely because of all of its green rust 
that I'd held onto it, 
and I was determined to find a way to reuse it.

I carefully unthreaded the fragile wiring from the lamp housing,

 and then removed 
any left over crumbling bits of metal.  

Then I reglued the main housing back together 
and rethreaded the wires back in. 

In my stash of light fixtures
I found a white plastic chimney  
and slid it over the bulb;
then 
I turned the unit upside down and sat it on the shelf.
 I fed the wires from the back of the lamp 

out through a tiny hole 
drilled through the exterior wall- 
"And then there was Light!"

It totally opened up the visibility of the items on 
 the shelves! 

HAPPY HAPPY DANCING!!! 
Arrrrggg! 




 At This Stage
the shelves were glued in 
but not the
 wainscotting panels.
Even so,
I continued busily decorating the entire bathroom
as if they were-
talk about
a commitment phobia!

With the shelves done ,
it was over to the sink side...




I found a loose bit of Chrysonbon plastic plumbing
which perfectly fit the underside 

of the thrift store sink; 
it was as if they'd been made for each other!
Still not sure about the mirror 
however,
 I remain confident that the right mirror will 
eventually turn up.

Progress is being made
and I'm taking more photos!


So
as I'm looking at the shelf and the light fixture,
 I'm thinking that that corner still needs something...

I LOVE the light but it's hard to photograph
 and now I want something to soften it,
without changing it. 

I decided that the shelves needed a draping plant.
Specifically a 
PLASTIC PLANT! 


I happened to have a set of scrapbook stickers of ivy which looked 50's vintage. 
I'd been pondering how to use 
ever since I got them. 

For my fake ivy
I peeled the stickers off the backing and stuck them onto thin Japanese calligraphy paper.


below you can see 
the clear plastic outline of the stickers

I cut out the ivy vines 

from the surrounding materials.   

using a felt pen, I painted the paper backings of the leaves with the green marker and the vines in brown.

Then I took lengths of fine beading wire and glued the wire to the underside of the vines.
If I'd been thinking ahead, I would have glued the wire in between the paper and the sticker FIRST,
but this way worked equally as well. 


this is the glue I used for the wire


By gluing the wire to the back of the vines I was able to drape the stems better.

I left a length of wire at the tops of each vine
so that I could insert them into a container, 
 on the top shelf.

 the shelf is too high to easily reach, 
 which explains why the ivy in the bathroom 
needed to be plastic. 




below is the pitcher of plastic ivy
draping down


and down...
and down ... 


providing a thin "living" veil 
in front of the light fixture
which 
 visually softens each of the shelves 
as well. 
and What's On The Shelves you ask?

Let me show you! 



Next to the lamp are the ancestral photos 
of The Captain as a boy and then as a young man. 
The photos share the space with a treasured 
heirloom vanity set
which the Captain had brought home for his wife 
after one of his extensive ocean voyages.

The china is English and Beautifully hand-painted 
with delicate lily-of-the-valley flowers.

(this was an indulgent Ebay purchase I made 
without any regrets!)





Next to the china is a glass jar of shell soaps
( nail appliques ordered from china)
Next to the soaps 
are the toiletries of man of the house
consisting of
 aftershave;
deodorant spray; 
soap on a rope;
liniment and cotton balls
These reside in a shallow box closest to the sink. 


On the middle and top shelves above the china,
are stacks of assorted linen
and  fluffy white cotton towels
tied with string or pale blue ribbons. 

You can find my easy towel tutorial here: 
https://studioeminiatures.blogspot.com/2013/03/throwing-in-towel.html






The middle shelf holds the towels and 
a fancy millefiori bottle 
and a gold lidded glass jar-  
( two buttons glued together 
topped with a filigree bead cap) 
At this stage, 
I decided it was time to
quit stalling and
 glue the wainscotting onto the walls-
About time! 


Here's a quick tour of the lower sections of the bathroom walls.

As I mentioned earlier,

on the back wall of beneath the shelves is
 a strip of wood with the nail pegs imbedded 

for hanging wet towels onto.
There's also 
a basket of Victoria Bliss magazines
next to 
a hot water bottle and a bath brush; 
and an ornamental life preserver.

The hot water bottle and back brush 

are painted
Chrysonbon pieces
and the life preserver
was in my stash.

I should also mention 

that by now I'd painted the tub and the underside of the sink with black acrylic paint 
followed with a couple of coats 
of a blue Quick Dry acrylic enamel 
which stubbornly refused to set-
Quite Maddening!
Eventually the paint did dry but not until after 

 my fingerprint impressions were imbedded in the paint- ARGGGGH! >/<

To try and fix(disguise) it
 I tried lightly sanding 
then aging the blue paint
which was somewhat successful.



Also,
because the inside of the tub
is a yellowish/white

and the inside finish of the sink is brighter,
 I began
dirtying up the inside of the sink to lessen the contrast between the two fixtures

but the truth is that they'll never match, 
so 
the back story is that
the fitting of this cottage were reclaimed salvage

 which have been replaced piecemeal 
as necessary.

But years of normal wear and tear

have taken their toll and 
the once fresh paint is plainly showing its age.
But as long as they still function, 
the owners are keeping them.

To dress up the old tub,
I made a bath tray from a section of white picket fencing.

 and here's the stuff I've put on it. 
There's a shampoo bottle and a lidded jar; 
a basket of two soaps made from a green eraser and some Japanese silicone putty. 
Next to the soaps are  
 an emery board and a loofah.   


Here's how I made the shampoo bottle


I used a toothpick with a brush attachment
 for cleaning between your teeth, 
which were purchased from a dollar store.
I removed the brush and cut down the rest 
with a box cutter.



I used nail decals 
to add interest to the front of the bottle
and painted the top with black nail polish,
before gluing it to the bath shelf.
For the tub's taps and faucet,
I began with a pair of screw back earrings 
similar to the one pictured above.

I cut off all the surplus metal from the screw posts.

I used a piece of soft soldering metal to form a faucet and glued a sliver of hollow plastic tubing 
to one end 
and a flat bead spacer onto the other end. 

I painted all 3 units with a metallic nail polish for uniformity.






When they were dry,
I glued them onto the wall.






The collection of bath toys are there for when the grandchildren come over on the weekends. 
Hey Birgit! 
 do you remember giving me the rubber duck
on the right for Christmas? ❤️




 THE SINK


The taps on the sink came from Miniatures.com which are newer looking than the old sink 
and 
I thought it would bug me more than it does, 
but I'm okay with it.

A BIGGER Dilema for me was
 was what to use for a mirror.


I tried lots of different styles: circles, ovals, rectangular shapes; 

framed and unframed 
and finally settled on this large round one 
primarily
because I had lots of these PORTHOLE frames
AND because
I had an old compact mirror 

which happened to be the right diameter.  

Initially I left the chain on
 but because the frame's hung 
with its backside forward, 
the mirror refused to lay flat against the wall
 and required lots of blue tack to keep it straight. 

SO
in the end
I removed the chain

But after I'd removed the chain
I was left with a hole in the wallpaper 
where the nail had been
 and it was right where you could see it! 
SO HOW COULD I FIX IT? 

I ended up adding a light fixture over the bathroom mirror to cover the hole.

I'd debated a long time
 on whether or not to put a light over the sink and now I had no choice. 
I'd tried out 2:
one I made and one I'd ordered
and went with the one I'd made.

In keeping with the salvage restoration theme, 
ran an electrical conduit up from the base of the lamp so that I could eventually feed the wire up and out through the roof.

This lamp is actually pretty rough looking and 
after I'd made it I was going to scrap it because I didn't like the look of how I'd wrapped the wires around the curvy frame.
WHY WHY WHY?

I had painted the fixture numerous times 
trying to disguise 
"the ugly"
wires 
but nothing worked and the successive layers of paint made the problem worse! 
 Even so
 I went with it anyway; 
ugly and all. 

Actually
adding a light over the mirror 
 was a good idea
not only for its practicality but also 
 because it balanced out the light on the shelf. 


and it seems that given enough time-
even ugly will grow on you! 







I made some daisies for the bathroom sink 
but I'm not happy with the vase,
so I ended up changing it.  

On the narrow ledge to the right of the mirror,
I added a fragrance bottle and
a lipstick which Linda Park gave me a couple of years ago, 

along with 
a bottle of pink nail polish which I made from a couple of beads. 

A bathrobe hangs from a nail in the door. 


Now skipping over to the loo! 

As I've said at the beginning
I may end up changing out the toilet for an older model 
but it happens to be as white as the sink
which makes it acceptable.

Janine's shabby pan has made a nice container
 for assorted  shells
                               

Fatima's jar of blue hydrangeas grace the wall above.


And on the other side of the window, 
is a collection of fleamarket art consisting of:
vintage floral painting on hardboard 

(cut from a magazine);
a nautical map ( another magazine cut out);
an empty carved square frame
and a blue and white plate which I won
in a Ebay lot of assorted kitchenwares.  

There were 2 plates included in the lot, one you've already seen above the side table in the bedroom.
https://studioeminiatures.blogspot.com/2020/04/a-long-days-journey-into-night-lands.html  
Both are signed but remained unidentified 
until a couple of weeks ago when I saw 2 similar plates listed on Ebay.
The initials on the backs were the same as the 2  
I had.
I was THRILLED to learn that my plates were by 
 Ellen Krucker Blauer
In case you're not familiar with her name,
Ellen Krucker Blauer and her husband John,

were owners of San Francisco's
 The Miniature Mart 
back in the early 70's and 80's. 
They were avid collectors and talented miniaturists, 
as well as regular contributor to
the Nutshell News magazine.


I was relatively new to the miniature world 
in the mid-seventies 
and a total devote to Nutshell News, 
which is how I knew who Ellen Krucker Bleauer was. 
When my husband and I took a late honeymoon trip to San Francisco 
I wanted to go to their store SO BAD!!!! 
but we didn't have enough time or enough money;  
my how things change...
I loved my plates prior to my knowing who made them and even more so now 
because of all the mini nostalgia 
attached to them. 




re: WHAT'S ON DECK: 
Down on the warm cork floor between the sink and the tub,
is a striped cotton area rug with a pair of slippers made from bent pipe cleaners, 

trimmed with bunka and
 lined with paper. 





A basket of dirty laundry sits in the right corner under the sink
along with a weathered blue stool
It took several tries before I was happy with the paint finish on the stool
  which looks neither too old or too new.



So there it is -
and  
now you've seen everything!

but here it is all over again ...





and Now Voyager, 
  you've journeyed through the bathroom 
and have arrived at your destination.

 watch your step as you disembark 
and 
please come again soon!

Arrrrggh! 





⚓️




elizabeth

Wwg1WgA
























75 comments:

  1. Oh Wow! Elizabeth - you've made my morning posting this fantastic, fabulous, packed-full bathroom. It is truly wonderful....now I shall just go back and read it all again and study the pics/ even more. Thank you.
    Rx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a WONDERFUL comment to being MY MORNING with Robin! :D
      I Thank You Very Much for every encouraging word and especially that you are willing to traverse through this VERY LONG POST all over again which is VERY Gratifying to Hear! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  2. Absolutely fantastic ! I don't know where to begin. It is all so perfect. Once again the attention to detail is amazing. Love it to bits!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank YOU so Much Linda!!! :D
      I didn't hold out much hope for this room at the very beginning, but as I was building it, it began to take on a life of its own, which is always what I hope for, yet I never know WHEN it will happen.
      The shelves turned out to be the pivotal point, as well as my being able to add more towels and the painted china to the room which not only made me VERY VERY HAPPY to look at, but they also gave the bathroom a rounding out; filling in the rest of the history this tiny space required. :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  3. It's truly incredible what you managed to do in such a small space. You created a bathroom with character thanks to all the various accessories that tell a story (like the pictures of the captain). I also (of course) love the nautical touch. It was a great idea to have several shelves on the wall, the wall seems wider and less high and it's perfect to display your various miniatures. The view from the windows is fantastic. You never stop amazing me with your work.
    Geneviève

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You Genevieve and I totally AGREE regarding you WONDERFUL comment about the shelves! :D
      The claustrophobic proportions of the bathroom would have become far more apparent without those shelves on the wall, because as you've stated, the shelves widen the view so that it feels and looks bigger than it actually is!

      I tried my doll in front of the sink and there's just enough room for her to stand and turn around without falling backwards into the tub which was a great relief to me!

      And regarding the view outside the bathroom window: I have been saving a magazine cover depicting a seaside cottage garden for over 5 years and my ultimate goal is to try and duplicate some of the vibrant colourful plants in miniature, which I know you've enjoyed seeing out the window, just as much as I have! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  4. The bathroom is absolutely amazing. I am always overwhelmed by all of the accessories that you are able to find or make that you fill your rooms, giving them that lived in look. In the old farmhouse where I grew up built in 1890, the bathroom was an add-on to part of original house that burned and it was a very small, but functional bathroom. My dad commented once that the trend had been to build the bathroom as small as possible and still have it function. I'd say that you accomplished that with a great deal of style. Bravo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank YOU Ann!!! :D
      I find it such an Encouragement to hear REAL LIFE STORIES regarding personal experiences, and how they translate into our various miniature projects. :D
      Hearing your 'Old Farmhouse Bathroom' remembrances, has added to some of your house history, to mine.
      Your story made me think about my great grandmother's old 1930's house, which had a bathroom the size of a hall closet, so I totally agree with your dad's comment about them being all about function rather than style.

      My my, how far we've come! Bathrooms are no longer the places you quickly visit out of necessity, but rather destination rooms for you linger and be entertained in! and I am THRILLED Ann, that you've chosen not only to linger but have been entertained as well! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  5. Oh MY!!! Seriously Elizabeth, I have never seen something like this bathroom. I have many favourite miniatures, I have seen many beautiful houses, rooms, I mean there´s plenty of talent out there! But girl, you are unique and your creations are soooo unique and wonderful that I have no words to describe how I feel about them. This bathroom feels so real, so authentic, it´s just perfect. I loved the discovery of every wall and every little detail, you didn´t forget a thing!! AMAZING!!😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank YOU so MUch Alexandra!!! :D I think that this is the HIGHEST compliment any miniaturist can ever hope to receive especially from one of their peers! ❤️
      Nevertheless, I have to say that having sunlight infiltrate a miniature room, will automatically make it look more real in pictures and definitely MORE than the sum of its Many Mini Parts ! ❤️

      elizabeth

      Delete
  6. Once again, Elizabeth, I am simply awed by your talent and vision. I did get a chuckle when I saw the door at the beginning of your post. Just yesterday I had to solve my own dilemma of a tiny bathroom and a door that was too big so I ended up cutting the door in half and making it a double opening door - then I saw yours this morning. I guess I can't be going wrong when I find a solution that ends up being exactly what you would have done. The bathroom is fantastic and with the shelves and all the great details on them, the vertical stripes actually look fantastic. If you had placed them horizontally and then added all the horizontal details it wouldn't have looked right. Once again your first instincts turned out perfect in the end, even if you doubted yourself at the beginning. Absolute perfection!! - Marilyn D.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You So Much Marilyn for placing your confidence in my decision about using the split bathroom doors, and I am DELIGHTED to learn that you've taken the same course of action with yours too! YOU GO GIRL! :D
      I wish I could say that I'd been "pre-inspired" but it all came about because I was too lazy to construct a door jamb along with 2 door frames for the loose single door I'd been considering, which is why I chose the split door kit which already had both.
      It was only after I'd made my final decision to use the door kit, that I realized the added bonus it provided given the size of this bathroom, so it was my LETHARGY which made me chose it! hahahaha :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  7. OMG I don't know where to look first! It's so wonderful. The ivy plant to soften the light is inspired.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You Very Much Sheila, and I appreciate your Special Mention of the IVY which happens to be one of my FAVOURITE things inside this bathroom! :D
      It makes me smile everytime I look at, so I'll make sure to forward your compliments because plants, even mini ones; will thrive if you talk to them! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  8. Impresionada me he quedado con tu cuarto de baño, me parece increíble la cantidad de cosas que has logrado poner y en total armonía, es para disfrutar cada rincón felicidades ,buen día:-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am VERY HAPPY that you've enjoyed this post Rosa Maria and especially that your approval of the various accessories I've managed to squeeze inside this bathroom! :D
      I have been collecting minis for over 50 years and it feels good to be able to get many of them out where I can finally appreciate and enjoy them AND it give me even Greater Pleasure to know that YOU'VE enjoyed seeing them too- Thank YOU! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  9. Thanks for this voyage through the small bathroom of "Land's End" cottage. I'm now discovering that this comfortable bathroom may be small, but it's decorated with all it needs for a relaxing moment of the residents!
    The ivy stickers are a great find for making a draping plant, but cutting the leaves with a scissor must have been given you a head ache ;).
    Your way of making mini plants is inventive, I never would have thought about making them this way.
    I love the alternating in things you've put on the shelves, the china is wonderful indeed. You've even thought of the men in Land's End, because they have a well thought out space on the shelf for their toilet) accessories: next to the sink, hehehe ;O)!
    I think that I have seen everything into the smallest corner, but after I looked twice over again all of your pictures, I still discovered unseen things...... So thank you for this bathroom voyage, Elizabeth, it was a big pleasure to discover and see it all ;)! Amazing work!!
    Stay safe, take care, dear Elizabeth.
    Have a nice weekend.
    Hugs, Ilona

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You Ilona for your Beautiful Compliments and for your Special Mention of the Ivy! :D
      I LOVE that ivy and you're right about the trouble it took to cut around each and every little leaf- a bit of a strain on my eyes but worth it in the end! :D
      And because I don't normally have such a noticeable male presence inside my dollhouses and since I had the men's toiletries waiting patiently for over 30 years- I felt compelled to give in and to make some room for them on the bathroom shelf! I'm still looking for a mini razor to go inside the box, but the Captain has agreed to grow his beard until I find him one! ;D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  10. Que maravilla Elisabeth!! Me encanta el proceso, como vas yendo y viniendo con las ideas, adelante, atrás, todas hacemos lo mismo. De un espacio que prometía poco y además parecía demasiado pequeño, has sacado el máximo partido que se le puede sacar. El resultado final me deja sin respiración. Me encanta! Enhorabuena por tus ideas y tu creatividad. Un beso

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You for your INSIGHTFUL comments Matzalen which are Much Appreciated! :D
      I LOVE the way you've described the miniature process as both coming and going; forwards and backwards, which it IS Exactly!
      AND
      it's the same process for each of us every single time!
      I believe that is what keeps us so intrigued and involved with this hobby/passion: that even though it IS the same, it's also always different!

      5 years ago I had envisioned more of an Americana Style bathroom: 5 years later, it's become more "Vintage Houseboat", and I have thoroughly enjoyed the transition of it being a "space which promised so little", into one which is more than I'd hoped for! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  11. Dear Elizabeth, as Always, I am rendered (nearly) speechless by your artistry!!! The Voyage from the striped walled shoebox to the amazingly perfect tiny corner retrofit bath in an old and atmospheric house-boat-like home is EPIC!!! Your process from one little change to the next... each so exactly rational and inspired by Life.... is masterful! You take us on your journey of "what would be right here...?" to the end result of perfection via an amazing assortment of dime-store finds, cast off pieces, ear-ring posts, tooth flosser cut-offs, sticker transformations and nail art conversions and not least, your Treasured relics...!!! What can I say? It is beautiful and homey and speaks clearly of the souls who inhabit this place (toys for the grandchildren in the bath!)... I don't know how you manage to squeeze so much into 5x7 inches space, but it is cohesive, natural and full but not overly-full! It's Perfect! And we all learn so much along the way, so thank you for this Voyage to Land's End!!! :):):)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My Dearest Betsy- THANK YOU for such a Beautiful comment! :D
      I've treasured Every word Especially "it is cohesive, natural and full but not overly-full! It's Perfect!" and although I can never see my own work as "Perfect" I DO try make it feel as "cohesive and natural" as I possibly can, and always with the objective of full yet not "overly-full" which is why I'm always taking pictures and editing it continuously. :D
      I can't tell you how much I Appreciate your words other than to express my deepest Thanks to You, once again! ❤️

      elizabeth

      Delete
  12. I just love a good story and the saga of how this charming bathroom came to be is both captivating and fascinating! You have created the perfect bathroom for Land's End and from such a dubious and humble group of items! It was so much fun to see the tryouts, the cuts, the adjustments and the winners! And to be so inspired by your innovative use of seemingly unlikely candidates! Inweaving your magical tale, you show us the way to think outside the box and never, never give up even when things aren't looking so promising! Every thoughtful detail is a supporting character in the delightful story and I find myself enraptured and ensnared! I am forever enchanted by your builds, in the creative way you make the most of the space but as always the jewels in your crown are the perfectly curated and charmingly featured decor and accessories! Oh Elizabeth! You've done it again and I am thrilled!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You Jodi for your Charmingly Delightful comment! :D
      I have enjoyed reading and re-reading every word and laughing out loud re: your choice of the word 'SAGA" which is how my posts regularly tend to run: hahhaha! :D
      But it makes me VERY Happy to know that you have enjoyed my "magical tale" of this bathroom's entire inception, which as I hope you can tell; was Great Fun for me too! ❤️

      elizabeth

      Delete
  13. I'm crossing my fingers that I can post this...what a great bathroom! And a really good use if a strange space. I love your methodology, it's similar to mine, but you really do go the whole nine yards! I think your plate story is wonderful, it's great to have sentimental things that remind us of before. I'm not sure I could cope going to the loo with the dear Captain looking on though;) !

    ReplyDelete
  14. Replies
    1. Hurrah INdeed Jonquil!!!! :D
      I am sooooooo Glad that your comment was able to break through the Blogosphere Barrier and I bid you WELCOME! :D
      and THANK YOU for Lovely Comment too!
      It was such a unexpected bonus to find out the origins of the plates and also a surprise that they could so quickly transport me backwards in time almost as if it were yesterday.
      I got a good chuckle about your hesitancy of using the loo with "the Captain looking on" but rest assured that he only had eyes for his wife: LOve .... True Love! ..... :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  15. ya know they say kitchens and bathrooms sell houses but im thinking the salty old dog has a lady friend that comes in for a little afternoon delight and has the bathroom suited to her taste (she probbly knows hes messing about with the redhead at the bar and shes prettied up the bathroom) I watch way too many soaps. again youve hit it out of the park

    Love
    Marisa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha Ha Ha! :D Your script sound like a bit of Peyton Place Marisa but I can't deny that we each should be able to read a story of our own into the projects we see, So Thank You, even though the Captain would be SHOCKED to hear you say so!

      Is there a redhead at the bar? hahaha :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  16. WOW another masterpiece. You have such a great imagination AND patience. I'm such a minimalist, once I've done the main work on a room I want to start on another, telling myself I will go back later to add accessories! I love the way you "see" what will work, and the way you adapt stuff from your stash. It's a gorgeous room.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You VERY MUCH Polly! :D
      I do believe that there's a style(s) we naturally gravitate towards and sometimes it can be the exact opposite in miniature of what we would chose to live in in Reality.
      I am a traditionalist at heart but I also enjoy scenes of minimalism both in RL and in miniatures although I feel unqualified to try and reproduce them, because I LOVE LOVE LOVE miniature accessories way too much!
      I usually try and fit in everything I can from my stash; then take a bunch of photos; and then begin editing things out - it's quite a process but the photos allow me to see things as they are and to keep things in check, as I decide "what will work"
      But I know what you mean about leaving one project to start another which is exactly what happen with Land's End- a 5 year time lapse!
      It feels good to have the interiors DONE so I begin work on the outside; guilt free! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  17. Elizabeth, your ingenuity and attention to detail is awe-inspiring! And your patience. This is so perfect.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awwww Thank You Very Much for your Kind and Lovely comment! :D
      Patience never feels like a chore when I'm playing with my miniatures but the prep work leading up to it always does!
      The next phase of completing the exterior is bound to be boring so I'm already gearing up for it, and no doubt MORE PATIENCE will definitely be required! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  18. Hello Elizabeth, well my, my, you have outdone yourself once again! I am amazed - no astounded - that you saw candy at a dollar store called "mini sour flush", in the shape of a john of all things and you made a toilet for a gorgeous miniature bathroom! Your knack for thinking "outside the box" is phenomenal! Also a bottle of shampoo from a T pick! Very inspiring - Love everything about it...Michelle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your comment gave me a chuckle and I Thoroughly Enjoyed reading it so THANK YOU, Michelle! :D
      All I can say in response is that Miniatures can turn it in the most unlikely places but when they're filled with candy, it's EVEN BETTER! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  19. Quel voyage dans cette salle de bain !
    Il faut faire le parcours plusieurs fois afin de voir tous les détails, que d'objets divers à découvrir.
    Ce voyage est très enrichissant ! Je viens une fois encore de prendre une agréable leçon de miniature.
    Ta détermination à faire et refaire pour parvenir à un résultat satisfaisant est impressionnante, je pense avoir été influencée pour refaire le mas ;)
    Bon week-end Elizabeth !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It gives me Great Pleasure to have been influential regarding your determination to continue to realize your vision for your French Country FarmHouse, Joce! :D
      I have done the same thing many times over with past projects such as Villa Leone and so I recognise how much bravery it requires to begin the processes all over again.
      Our dreams and visions often change as our tastes and skill levels increase and speaking for myself, I'm happy that I took on this bathroom project now
      instead of 5 years ago, otherwise I probably would have gutted it and started again too!
      But I'm Satisfied with the results of this tiny room and as long as YOU and the Captain are content, then I'll be contented with it too! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  20. Nunca terminas de sorprenderme! es increíble el maravilloso baño que has hecho en tan reducido espacio,es tan real y fantástico,cada detalle se conjuga y acopla perfectamente a todo el conjunto,felicidades de nuevo Elizabeth!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank YOU for your Congratulations PIlar! :D
      For me this bathroom was a labour of Love because other than installing the doors, the majority of its construction developed rather smoothly and without too many redo's.
      It makes me VERY HAPPY that you have enjoyed your visit and I Treasure your BEAUTIFUL comment! :D

      Delete
  21. Wonderful bathroom, I love all little details. Time to improve mine! :) The ivy tutorial is incredible. Hugs, Melli

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You VERY Much Meli! :D
      Cutting out the strands of ivy was a bit fiddly and time consuming but once they were in the jug and draping over the shelves, it was worth every minute!
      It is one of my favourite features in this bathroom and I'm DELIGHTED that you' have enjoyed them too! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  22. Elizabeth your attention to detail and use of the simplest items leaves me speechless! I am in awe of your talent and in how you bring a room together. It's quite amazing! I love all the little details that bring this room so perfectly together. I'll be drawing inspiration from you as I finish the newly renovated bathroom in Pennethorne Manor. Thank you for sharing your process!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You for your comment Teresa and may I say that I feel the same way about your work too! :D
      The details and atmosphere you've infused into your Pennethorne Manor are Totally Inspiring and your bravery in gutting finished rooms and starting all over again reminds us all, that it is never to late to make/ or remake your mini dreams into a reality- it may just take a little longer! ;D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  23. This is a such a wonderfully realistic bathroom! What I really love, though, is your inventiveness. The way you used a candy store toilet and covered the hole in the top; the tub taps and faucets made from earrings; the shampoo bottle!!; the slippers made from bunka and pipe cleaners. And it all works together to make a delightfully eclectic, charming and inviting bathroom. It was a joy to walk through your pictures and the stories behind the items.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HI Deborah and THANK YOU Very Much for your Terrific comment! :D
      I naturally gravitate towards the eclectic and I've always enjoyed mixing slightly odd things together in Real Life but especially in mini.
      The items you've mentioned in your comment came about either through accident or deliberate intent: it was a lucky accident finding the toilets in the candy department and deliberate laziness when it came to the faucet and taps.
      I find it Very Satisfying to make the junk store stuff work together with my highly prized purchases which when I think about it philosophically, reflects how
      A Real Life
      Really is! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  24. Every detail in the bathroom is great. Everything is thought out to the last detail.
    I love the details in the miniature!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You VERY MUCH BurSel! :D
      It took me more weeks than I'd originally thought before this bathroom finally came together, but I am VERY Happy with how it has turned out AND
      So PLEASED to know that you have enjoyed it as well! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  25. Oh Elizabeth: I have read and re-read your descriptions and methods and everyone's comments over and over again. What an exceptional treat! I don't know what else I can say except everything is "spot on" and ditto to all the thoughts presented. Truly you love your littles and it shows in all you do, and by your sharing, it helps us all to try harder. Thank you.

    PS: I do like the lamp over the sink-especially the wrapped wire:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have Appreciated reading and re-reading your BEAUTIFUL comment JCH and I Thank You VERY Much for each and every word, especially your special mention of the lamp over the sink: you're Very Kind! :D
      In hindsight: IF I had threaded the wires over it in a less conspicuous fashion, then the lamp would have looked better, but I wrapped it oddly and when I couldn't undo it; I tried to paint over it which didn't work. I had to repaint over the previous paint disasters to try and salvage it and so it looks better than what it was. And having a light over the sink has made such a significant difference to the rest of the room, that I'm easily able to forgive AND to forget! ;D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  26. Dear Elizabeth, I read your post yesterday and was interrupted by visits from my daughters. I'm reading it today and am blown away with your work. You managed to load this stunning bathroom with fantastic details which all look lived-in belonging to the master of this house.
    Stay safe and healthy!
    Hugs, Drora

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You SO VERY Much Drora for you Wonderful comment! :D
      I makes me Happy that you decided to make a return visit here and I enjoyed your infectious enthusiasm regarding the details in this bathroom.
      When it comes to our miniatures, there's a 100% enjoyment when building our environments and 100% enjoyment getting feedback from others and I've Greatly Appreciated yours, Drora! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  27. comment est ce possible de faire tenir autant de choses dans un si petit espace ???
    whaouuu , on ne sait pas où poser le regard . il y en a partout ...plein de détails qui racontent beaucoup de choses sur le propriétaire . c 'est génial ! merci pour toutes les photos . c 'est aussi beaucoup de travail mais cela nous permet de tout voir . j 'adore la façon que vous avez d'accumuler plein d'objets . on reconnait tout de suite votre travail . j 'avoue que cela me donne envie de faire le ménage haha ! je ne suis pas une maniaque du rangement mais j 'ai une phobie avec les salles de bain ... c 'est grave docteur ?
    j 'aime beaucoup l'idée de la petite lampe qui éclaire les étagères et l 'ajout du lierre pour tamiser la lumière . c'est un très bon choix . j 'adore la couleur de la baignoire . c'est une petite pièce parfaite .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You Very Much Catherine! :D
      I remember when I saw the photos of Ninette's bathroom in your mouse house and how AWE Inspiring and Beautiful it was to me!
      I was immediately able to see that it was located inside of a ancient tree, very elegant and spare, well- organized AND of course- Very Very French! ;D
      So I'm Absolutely DELIGHTED that the bathroom at LAND'S END (although of an opposite aesthetic), has been able to convey who the owner is to you, by the plethora of objects you see and by what's stored on the shelves!
      I LOVE accessories because they are able to tell stories to the viewer without any additional words but, as your own work so Beautifully demonstrates, you can say as much with less in a room, as you can with more; depending on your choices- aren't miniatures WONDERFUL?!!! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  28. Es un baño tan acogedor, lleno de encanto y preciosos detalles !!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am SO GLAD that you have enjoyed your visit to this bathroom @ Land's End Eloisa, and I think that "Cosy" is the Perfect word to describe it! :D
      I tried to develop an environment which the owners would enjoy being in and having their grandchildren get cleaned up in, so it makes me Very Happy that you have enjoyed being inside this room, too! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  29. ¡Increíble todo lo que has metido en ese pequeño espacio! Has unificado los elementos sanitarios de una manera muy ingeniosa. Las luces está claro que ayudan mucho a la ambientación.Me encanta ver tu lógica para ir introduciendo todos los detalles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a Lovely comment Isabel, and I Thank you Very Much! :D
      How to unify the bath fittings was a great concern of mine as well as a bit of a challenge! and yet it turned out alright in the end AND I still have most of my hair! ;D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  30. Despite all the beauty, the amazing details, the fabulous work and the brilliant ideas that went into the making and decoration of this stunning, awesome and truly beautiful bathroom I'm a bit confused now... Why on earth did you start this wonderful post with an excuse and apologizing for the long time this post took??? With all the work, trials and decisions that went into this room it's more than amazing that you've already finished it! ;O)

    I've truly enjoyed this voyage and yes, I'm feeling a bit proud that a tiny modest piece of mine made it into this outstanding room. You've created so much atmosphere and this room tells for sure a tale about the inhabitants. I've said this before but I have never problems with repeating myself - you have a really good hand at decorating a scene with things that tell a story and make it realistic and vivid. There are so many stunning details to be discovered that it would make my comment explode if I'd start to mention everything that fascinated me so I'm just concentrating on a few... Making an ivy with the intention that it shall be a fake plant due to the lack of light for a real one is brilliant, this is so realistic. And as Ilona already pointed out - cutting out all those tiny leaves would have been worth a task for Hercules. Amazing is also the way you're creating your miniatures, may it be the tooth cleaner or the way you made your soaps and the lamps... And all of this creates a stunning, inviting and cozy bathroom... one that has grown and was filled with personal stuff over the years. Oh, and adding the shelves was a great idea, in a small room it's important to use every space. And don't regret the toilet opposite the door - sometimes you have no other choice than to just stuck to the water connections in the walls... ;O)

    Hugs
    Birgit

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As usual Birgit, your comments have made me Grin from ear to ear! :D

      I think that this project went as quickly as it did (even with the lag time in between) because of its basic requirements within a very limited space, and so once those were decided; everything else became gravy- AND OH HOW I LOVE GRAVY! ;D
      And your so right regarding the fake ivy although I hadn't thought about the lack of light until you mentioned it, but more about the regular inconvenience of trying to bring it down to change the water- very precarious and somewhat dangerous!
      The reason behind my choice to make a plastic (tooth-cleaner) shampoo bottle was because if it accidently fell into the tub, it wouldn't break. :)
      But I especially appreciated these words of yours "all of this creates a stunning, inviting and cozy bathroom... one that has grown and was filled with personal stuff over the years." which is precisely how I'd hoped it would be interpreted as a room which has grown and evolved and aged throughout the years to become what it currently is, so Thank You for saying that Birgit!

      And I have been itching to use your rubber duck since you sent it to me and whenever I look at it waiting there on the tub, I think of all of the enjoyment my imaginary grandchildren will get when they come over to playing with it in the bath- so THANK YOU for contributing to that vision too! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  31. ... and what an extraordinary journey you bathroom is dear Elizabeth. Some things just cannot be rushed, can they? It has taken me three enjoyable trips through this fabulous room to reach the end. There is so much to discover and and oooohhh and ahhhhh about on the way, that it is simply impossible to swish through it.
    It is so absolutely fabulous the mix and match of new, old, cheap finds, fixer-up's. The wall light above the zink - why do you not like it? It is a perfect partner in look and age to the lamp on the shelf I thought.
    Best
    Anna x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have Totally Enjoyed reading your Lovely comment Anna AND I THANK You for championing the old lamp over the sink too! :D
      I don't entirely dislike the fixture I just wish that I had given more thought to how to wrap the wires more discreetly around the frame. I'd already made 3 of the same style of lights for Villa Leone in which the wrapped wires are nearly invisible, and I should have used the same technique when constructing the smaller one for the bathroom- but I didn't. Knowing what I should have done and didn't will continue to bug me, however, the lamp itself is growing on me: so Hip Hip HOORAY!!!! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  32. I find that often you have to wait for inspiration to grip you before proceeding on to the next phase of making anything. The bathroom has many lovely ideas in it which we all thank you for sharing with us. I love the shabbiness of it and how old it looks like it needs renovating. Really, you must renovate it soon to update this family's house. Hehehhe Just kidding but I love it all!! I especially like the idea of using things that belong somewhere like the sink and toilet. Love that sink. Great Job!!! I like using the pink kitchens out of the Barbie houses. Some of them fit right in with the minis's. I have used one of them in one of my apartments and have another to paint.
    Mini huggs,
    Conny

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You Conny and I certainly enjoyed reading your comment and I couldn't Agree with you more when it comes to learning to wait until inspiration has you in its grip, before more progress can be made- SO TRUE! :D
      AND I also agree that this bathroom is long overdue for an upgrade but the owners have lived with it for so long, that the old fixtures have now become dear friends which is why the owners have adopted the philosophy of " if it works fine / why replace it?!" ( which applies to their hip joints too! hahhaha)
      But your Spot On about some of the Barbie pieces being the right scale for 12th scale minis which is why I'm regularly scouting the thrift stores where so much unwanted Barbie stuff, usually ends up! YIPEE! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  33. I'm speechless!! So can I just say I want to repeat everything that Alexandra Martinez said. This little bathroom is an absolute triumph Elizabeth, the crowning glory of a history of triumphs in your journey through miniature creations. It's going to take me a long time to appreciate every little thing but it'll be time very well spent. You truly have taken bathrooms to an entirely new level.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I feel SO HONOURED after reading your Beautiful comment Norma and I'm struggling over how best to respond; but Thank You VERY Much!!! :D
      I have been surprised and overwhelmed by the outpourings of enthusiasm over this bathroom and Delighted that it has been so well received by fellow miniaturists, whose Amazingly Creative works, leave me feeling just as "Speechless!" too! :D
      This was the last room to complete inside this cottage and now I'm moving onto the exterior, and since shingling isn't much to get that excited over; it's good to go OUT with a Bang! hahaha

      elizabeth

      Delete
  34. How gorgeaus bathroom Elizabeth! You must be proud of this :) You have selected lots of lovely details as always. Somehow I especially love shabby hanging basket with magazines.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It makes me VERY Happy that you have enjoyed viewing this bathroom at Land's End Riitta- Thank You!!! :D
      And after the usual ups and downs, I AM proud of the way it turned out!
      I have Loved reading the VICTORIA BLISS magazines since the early 80's and so I look for old copies in the thrift stores whenever I'm there and I often find back issues that have old subscription card inserts, tucked between the pages. Some of the cards will feature reduced front covers of the Victoria magazines, which is what I made the mini ones from.
      There's nothing like a long relaxing soak in the tub, while reading your favourite magazine. :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  35. Wow love your bathroom those shelfs with all those wonderfull items so very carefull picked out for this room. The sink and toilet great inspiring work. This blog is better than a magazine I could buy thank you for making it en share it with us!
    Have a nice day,
    groetjes van Marijke

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am Very Happy that you have enjoyed reading about the makings of this bathroom Marijke, and I must also say THANK YOU for such a Wonderful Compliment regarding my blog-
      It has Made My Day! :D ❤️

      elizabeth

      Delete
  36. Utterly gorgeous. I love how every problem produces a glorious solution. I am convinced your snags are meant to be. Delivered by the mini gods to test your ingenuity.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thank You VERY MUCH Susanna and Marilyn:Blogger is not allowing me to answer my comments individually today but I want to express my Sincere Appreciation for your Beautiful words about my Land's End bathroom, it does my heart GOOD to hear it and know that it strikes a cord with both of you as well! ❤️❤️

    elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  38. Dear Elisabeth, Like every one of the rooms of Land's End this bathroom is stunning, awesome and beautiful! I have enjoyed the rollercoaster of zooming in and zooming out only to zoom in again on some wonderful miniature or other. I cannot stress enough that you have a gift for assembling miniatures from all kinds of sources and materials and make them work together. I hope to learn that skill/gift too. For now I learn by watching. :-)

    And about your apologies at the beginning of your post... Believe me when I say it was worth waiting for!


    Huibrecht

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awwww Shucks Huibrecht! Thank You VERY MUCH for your kind compliments in your comment which I Greatly Appreciate!
      Little Things have always been fascinating to me, but what makes this hobby even MORE SPECIAL is to be in a community where we can express our GOD-given skills/ gifts, in whichever forms they take- and I am learning by watching YOU too! ❤️

      elizabeth

      Delete
  39. Replies
    1. MANY Thanks from me to You, Carmen! ❤️

      elizabeth

      Delete

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...