Dolls House dolls and miniature art

The Princess wedding

2011-05-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

I watched the wedding of Cate Middleton to Prince William and was tempted to make a copy of the wedding dress in 1:12. Have been too busy so far, but the maybe will get around to it. it was interesting how comoner cate is now called Catheringe and wore her ancestors clan heraldry in her earrings.
She started out as a commoner, and now history is re-written.

From Mega at Http://Dollshousedolls.blogspot.com

posting a few more pics.

2011-03-04T20:52:00.000-08:00

I'm just posting a few more pics. I love doing miniature photography and the dolls house settings give such scope for creativity.
I knowit's an escape.. but heck.. it's a great escape!

From Mega at Http://Dollshousedolls.blogspot.com

Great finds at charity shops

2011-01-28T21:02:00.000-08:00

I read with interest posts on some of the yahoo miniature groups, and thought I should share a recent find.
This one was at a charity shop..It was a medium sized glass jar with a thick dome lid, and inside you could see a fridge magnet of a little girl, perched against a craft- made fence of paddle pop sticks.. There was a ceramic dog at her feet and some grass, as well as some tiny white pebbles.
I paid $3.00 for it, and I could see that the salesperson thought it was a heap of junk..but to me the girl and the fence were perfect for my miniature garden - real tiny plants and walkway - growing in a fish tank, about 18 inches by 12. The ceramic cocker spaniel dog was of good quality and I knew I could use the white pebbles in a future zen garden, and of course the jar, when washed was used for storage in my kitchen!

I'm including here some photos of the mini garden. I've had to weed it recently because it's summer here in Australia and the tiny plants have been growing madly.

Enjoy your hobby and relax in your miniature space.

kind regards, Mega

From Mega at Http://Dollshousedolls.blogspot.com

dolls garden plants

2011-01-28T21:01:00.000-08:00

If you double click on the image it will take you to the picasa album.

Do what you enjoy and Enjoy what you do!
From Mega at Http://Dollshousedolls.blogspot.com

I've been making potatoes- art and imagination!

2010-04-21T02:34:00.000-07:00

When Lloyd came over recently he asked what have I been doing?
He didn't mean work (accounting, share trading, writing technical documents, and constant internet learning)

He meant in the miniature world of models, doll making, film making, photos and everything creative associated with that..

I had some smirks on the kitchen bench, two future duck ponds made from paint and glue, and some straw baskets with tiny handles. These were made from the straw from a recycled straw hat, cut and glued onto wood shingles. 3cms by 1.5 cms. (about 1 1/2 inches by 3/4 inch)
One straw basket was filled with fimo fruit. Carrots, cabbage, and other vegetables.

There was also a plate of fried eggs, which I explained needed a touch of yellow nail polish because the yokes were too orangey..

But what I wanted to show him was the fimo potatoes. Tiny, cut in pieces with skin on, and placed in a miniature bronzed baking tray. He seemed to approve of them. He is a bit of a perfectionist.
You can see how to make these potatoes in the video bar right at the bottom of the page.
It's worth watching. Enjoy what you do, and do what you enjoy!
from Meg at Http://Dollshousedolls.blogspot.com

tips on how to make miniature food

2010-04-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

Recently I have seen some great works of art made from icing.
Tiny people and even ginger bread houses, as well as beautifully decorated patty cakes.
But, I can't bear to eat them, (therefore destroy them), and of course they are no good as decoration, because they will become an attraction for insects and even mice.

It is so easy to make miniature food in plaster filler, which has the same consistency and can be coloured with food coloring.
Plaster filler is available at hardware shops, is cheap and you can either mix your own or buy it ready mixed.
It is cheaper then FIMO or DAS, and is slightly thinner, so it can be piped and painted with water colours.

So have a go at making some miniature patty cakes for you miniature dolls!

Join our yahoo group for free mini competitions!

2010-03-30T19:47:00.000-07:00

go to

http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/ElginParkinside/
and
http://ElginPark.blogspot.com

Read about our photo comp details there.

Inside Elgin Park

2010-03-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

Elgin Park is a virtual village create by Michael Paul Smith in the USA. He photographs his 1:24 model cars against a photo background. He has had more than 10 million hits on flickr.com Here is an article about him.

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/elgin-park-tiny-town-frozen-time-draws-millions-visitors/story?id=10224783

this is his original site,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ go to 24796741 at N05/
and the above article is about Michael's model village called Elgin park, which he creates in his tiny packed apartment in Winchester, Mass. USA

Miniatures are a wonderful, absorbing interest and Photography and the internet means we can share our creativity.

back to dolls..

2010-03-20T19:20:00.001-07:00

I made a leopard 3 piece sofa set with rug and doll. This setting is an original and I dont think you'll see another anywhere else. It has it's own rug and leopard dressed doll. The doll is for sale seperately at $29.00 usd free postage to us, canada and uk.
here's a pic of a leopard dressed doll. I made 4 only. They are 2.5 inches or approx 7 cms. They all wear a leopard hat and their faces are individual.

here's a picture of stonehenge smirky smirks

2010-03-20T19:00:00.001-07:00

Because a smirky smirk is made of 3 components ( a squashed round body (or squarish) with two legs). They seemed to naturally lend themselves to look like stonehenge. No doubt in their evolution they will become more sophisticated.. more elegant. more socially acceptable.
But right now , Smirky smirks are still in miniature and somewhat restricted by their basic form... They have a job to do.. and that is to make me smile.. I hope they make you smile too. these are all in 1:12 scale

BUT they are great little actors, and respond so well to photography!

We've been playing with ideas.!

2010-03-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

Creativity begins with a blank page. Ideas don't always materialize straight away.

For me, creativity is often sparked by an idea, a picture, a natural object.
Recently I saw a tv program on "close the gap" which is a philanthropic organisation dedicated to helping close the poverty gap between aboriginal and white societies.
It had some big sporting names and heaps of public servants irrelevant white paper pages. I nearly gave up.

BUT THEN I saw their Schaffers. so what is a schaffer? it is a squashed round wood object with two legs. A South Australian company called screamdance.com created a competition for artists to make a group of schaffers for an art exhibition and for sale to help the close the gap cause.

They held their first sale last June.

So I started playing and created Smirks .. who are very smirky. "smirky smirks" they make you smile. they are made of clay or sawdust and glue, or wood ...whatever ..

a similar flattened ball with legs.

They spark the imagination. and ignite creativity. and these could create quite a cash cow for a deserving charity. So here are some of my Smirky Smirks. Here' a few pics.

contact me for fundraising ideas.
(Smirky Smirks are copyright 2010 to M A Sampson Australia 61 2 42 285774)

Someone asked me about the Photos

2010-03-01T22:47:00.000-08:00

A friend asked me about the backgrounds used in the photos.
The DollYogue bridal photos were all my original art work. for example, Doll Renee rides her black horse at the seaside.. The background is a painting of mine and it works well. I could have used a photo of the shore, but I preferred the painting.
Other times I used a little "stage" where I positioned the dolls as if they were in a photographic studio.
In the slideshow of the Doll Tate art gallery, all the mini paintings are my work and the sculptures are my own work too.
Some of the dolls have been repainted to represent the real children, while others have been molded by me. In the slideshow way down, are Aprils doll photos. I painted all these reproduction dolls.(except the french one), as well as the mini food and clothing. You are looking at collections which I have added to and created over a period of 25 years..

Time flies and sometimes things go wrong!

2010-03-01T22:06:00.000-08:00

I wanted to enter the Cannes film festival with a short film, but everything has conspired to stop me. Work beckoned with financial rewards that I couldn't refuse, but with deadlines. It was full pelt for over 3 weeks, and continues. Working from a home office, and being my own master and my own slave! I write technical documents which meet international quality standards, which is much like housework..no one notices unless it's not done, or you fail an inspection.
My eyesight has numerous problems and I paid with painful eyes.
Then computer and technical difficulties and mistakes caused a few " Gosh, Darn, and even Blankety Hecks!" So now I have to stop.

I am relaxing, de-stressing and writing about my latest projects. My miniature original book collection - DollYogue magazine - summer Bridal edition. ($5.00 US digital PDF or $7.00 posted in real magazine format 2.5 cms x 3 cms or 1" x 1.25")

Real Izzabella (now 13) has been designing some fashion garments for a Dollshousedolls original paper doll..and real Lloyd (now 19) is fine tuning the pics and creating a nice ready to print doll and clothes. ($5.00 USD) I'll put up some interim pics.
Real Katie made a short visit from England, and she said "I am so thrilled to be on the cover of DollYogue- it's such a cute magazine". Real Renee didn't like her bridal photos, but she was pleased with her mini alter ego -Doll Renee, as a bridesmaid, riding a black horse on the sea shore... I have also created a Mega multi pattern for bridal outfits to suit a dollshouse 1:12 -5" miniature doll. It contains 4 bodices, 4 skirts, 4 sleeves, train, headband, donut frills, V belt, etc etc. you can enlarge it on the printer for a bigger doll. PDF file. Same price $5.00 USD.
Thanks for looking and enjoy your hobbies and interests.

2010-01-22T22:05:00.000-08:00

I've decided that it's always Christmas at my dolls house (s). Christmas has already come and gone, and I didn't really "play" with my Dolls house much. I did clean the Christmas room, and I dusted with a beauty brush and took more Photos.
Like other Doll people, I realise that I get the biggest buzz from taking the photos.. so I will put up a few more. Unfortunately the "film" is lagging behind for lack of motivation.

I've also toyed with making a DollVogue Summer Bride magazine.
If anyone is interested in purchasing this 8 page E book, with the special mini page ready to fold into a mini book, let me know. Here is a picture of the cover, and a glimpse of the contents.
A free pattern is included and it can be modified to another scale.
Designing a Bridal outfit for your doll - deciding on the era from Tudor to Modern, Making miniature garments, Modifying a basic pattern, Making a special dress to drape on the bed and Making a simple veil/hat and flower garland.

$5.00 USD

Enjoy what you do and do what you enjoy!

free tutorials

2009-11-25T14:08:00.001-08:00

Miniature makers share. A great site with free tutorials is http://community.webshots.com/user/theshedroof/profile
Keith has had over 256,000 views and has some terrific creative ideas.
His Tudor room is not just to scale but exactly to the period.
If you want ot know how to make chain mail (from non slip safety mats) , or distressed timber beams (he uses a potatoe peeler) have a look there..

How to make - wigs and mini pictures and Peg dolls

2009-10-28T22:40:00.000-07:00

Someone asked about making wigs or hair for dolls. I have posted a picture of ringlets. These can be curly or not and can be tied back or put into plaits. I think it's best to glue the hair onto a coin size piece of fabric, rather than onto the doll. You can have fun changing the wigs, and photographing them in different colours and styles.

One tip I'd like to pass on, is to buy your stamps at the post office with the serrated surrounds not overprinted. A quick glance at the sticky serrated surrounds to the stamps, will show if there is any colour on them. When you remove the stamps, keep the surrounds and use them as mini picture mounts for your dolls house pictures. you can either paint a picture, cut out a tiny image from a magazine or print an image at a reduced %.. (about 10% works well).

You can also scan an image and print it onto a clear transparent label film. (The pack says to use it to make jam labels.) This will create a leadlight or stained glass appearance. When you place the sticker on the glass window, make sure you position it correctly! Draw a level line first in pencil.

I been enjoying making some peg dolls. (Another diversion from share trading, accountancy, housework and DVD editing!) I wanted to do some for the Xmas tree and the dolls house(s).

I found if you drill a hole at the armpit, and insert a piece of pipecleaner for arms, they look so much better. (all girls have a power drill, don't they?) You can buy the pipecleaners in various colours at craft and cheap dollar shops. Make sure you make a bend at the doll elbow and match the pipecleaner colour to the dress. Slightly longer arms are best, because they can be raised overhead or can carry a posie or basket. Use Nail polish to paint the edges of the fabric to avoid fraying, and craft glue to attach bows and pearl necklaces!

Don't forget to sign your peg dolls with your name and year. One day they might be an heirloom or a collectible. Someone will want to know who made them.

I also made two Raggy dolls, pictured above on the armchair. I made the heads in fimo and baked them in the microwave. They have raggy elasticated arms and legs. I have some video of my real dolls (children), playing with an 18" (50 cm) doll with two faces. The legs and arms are elastised, so I made these two as 1:12 size. I cut off some of the fabric on the big doll to make the bodies, so they will look very similar. One day I will make the video sequence linking both.

I've done some more of the cooking video with my actors. Sometimes it's like mission impossible to get a few minutes of usable footage, but I'm getting there! I'm trying to link the real children and the dolls -cooking and having fun!

Enjoy what you do, and you will be happy!- at least some of the time!

Hobbies might be an escape, but they do rest the mind.

In today's world, our minds do need some recreation and rest.

kind regards,

Mega

http://dollshousedolls.blogspot.com/

Some people ask me where do I purchase the furniture

2009-10-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

Some people ask me where do I purchase the furniture and miniature items. I don't intend to promote or support individual businesses but I can say the kitchen furniture, the tv console and sound, the dinner set of knives and forks and pink serviettes etc etc were purchased on EBay from Eurekaonlinestore. at Ebay.com.au
I have purchased from other sellers, but Eureka have given great service and when I compare their products with comparable products in the US they are so much cheaper. I ask for combined postage and that helps to reduce the price.
I also source op shops (charity shops) and make many of the pieces myself.
I made some blocks of chocolate nested in a piece of gold paper, and was quite delighted when one of my Daughters asked where didi I buy it... (see pics at side)
At the moment the editing of the DVD is behind schedule, so I have decided to re- edit to mini segments, very short pieces 2.5-4 mins long. you can see some of my shorts on you tube, under the name of Megamoneybox. There I have a range of good and not so good. I'm called Megamoneybox because I am a small share trader trying to raise the funds to create my artistic work.
You can get the occasional free share tip on my other blog at http://megamoneybox.blogspot.com/
You can earn money to buy things... (even in these tough economic times.)
Megan

re making miniature food

2009-09-18T02:25:00.000-07:00

I have some little videos on youtube.com as channel megamoneybox. some with dolls.
I also put up my favourite 2 min video on http://www.webshots.com as dollshousedolls.
I think you can go direct via http://community.webshots.com/user/dollshousedolls or to the video at http://entertainment.webshots.com/album/571141908XzuhhN

Food is easy to make.. the key is getting the shape right. I use fimo or das . (you could even make a home made play doh, but if it is food based, then insects might eat it!)I paint it with acrylic paints AND touch up with nail polish..clear where I want a sheen, or red/watermelon pink where it suits. This food may need some touch up.... the blue plates I used are the plastic inserts from inside a coco cola bottle. Some bottles have clear inserts and they are better.. you have to seek out some alchohol bottle caps to find them. I'm not a drinker and people think it strange when I want the bottle caps or tops... scroll down for a picture of bacon and meat.. you use craft glue, smear it onto a piece of plastic and when hard, peel off and paint with nail polish... (if the nail polish is old and thick, simply add some nail polish remover to thin it down) Just remember, your first efforts might not be marvellous, but the more you do , the better the result. Be kind to yourself.. it doesn't have to be perfect! I'm putting up a few more pictures of food. I like making boxes and little calico bags of flour etc...

More progress - a closer peek

2009-08-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I purchased a lovely miniature Japanese doll on a round music box, and 3 barbies.
The Japanese doll has a beautiful face, and is the perfect dolls house size. When I removed it from the music box, it was found to have legs made of used paper with Japanese writing, and the music box has a Japanese tune.
Two of the Barbies were made in 1966 and one male Barbie dated 1968.. all for less than $10.00 . Now what to make as a theme story.. any ideas?
I am not a Barbie or Doll collector, but when I see them virtually thrown out, I feel I want to rescue them. Not to mention that they look like the ones my children had!
Rose rang yesterday and said she had a box of Polly Pocket stuff donated to the club 2 days ago and it had 64 pairs of tiny shoes and 14 odds!. I bought it all, and it included 33 dolls, a hotel, 2 cars, 150 garments, plus furniture and odds. Furniture the size to fit into the white teapot, shown on the DollTate Modern art Gallery video (link on the side column) ..even a chaise lounge... The teapot is another story waiting in the wings. When I looked in K mart at the Polly Pocket stuff it was about $10.00 a dressed doll, so all this was a real bargain. .there was even a tiny wee video camera..which I coloured black with a texta (or black marker.) and it looks great. You can use textas and coloured pens to dye lace, bags, shoes and mini food. etc.
I've spent the last two weeks editing a http://www.permaculturevisions.com/ tape. (my real partnership work place- which includes tax accty and share trading. go to the blog http://megamoneybox.blogspot/ and http://richkidspoorkids.blogspot.com/ for free tips)
The tape was 90 mins of noisy footage edited down to 35 mins, then not being able to save it.
I then cut it into 6 mins on worm farms and was able to get it up on to http://www.youtube.com/ , not a bad effort for a ten year old bit of video.
You can see it and the other ones with Lloyd, Renee and Izzy with Gordon the Gardener, learning about worms. The dolls even have a short video on their experience with worm farms. We've also been working on the cooking video but it's not for show yet.
go to www.youtube.com/megamoneybox. (I was practising on Permaculturevisions videos, so I can use the test stuff later.) I had many problems ranging from the editing to saving with not enough memory, to exporting in a format which then had to be converted on the other computer. There were about 20 choices, and I had to sort out which one would work and give the best result for a mix of SVHS and Digital HD video. It felt like I had exhausted my mind, so I left it all for a few days, then I found the video player was getting the videos stuck!!!
(I haven't quite lost my marbles yet, but they are certainly getting muddled up! )
Today I had major computer breakdown and lost all start, desktop and linkages, on my main Dell computer (my own fault for stopping a restore process) luckily I found my way partly out and my son in law, Paul, advised me over the phone. I almost forgot to mention I made a blog for the Wollongong dolls club.
http://wollongongdollsclub.blogspot.com/

The dolls in their kitchen- Everyone wants some!

2009-06-25T03:17:00.000-07:00

The Renee doll had eaten the last of the DJ's chocolates. The other dolls were not happy! Neither was Renee! Sean doll (her brother) wanted some too. You can imagine the kitchen squabble, with Renee doll protesting that there was only one left, and she ate it. They were her chocolates..Nanny doll, (Granny doll ) had given them to her on her birthday!
see slide show on the right.

Our Dolls at Dolls house dolls have been busy

2009-04-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

We've completed the first draft of a 2 minute movie called
"Dolls visit the DollTate modern art gallery".
The idea came about when my eldest daughter April, and grandson Lloyd, reminded me of our visit to the Tate modern Art Gallery in England in 2004. I had been quite excited by the exposure to new ideas and "thinking outside of the box". I was also very impressed by similar artworks in Paris. Prior to that, I had probably been less than appreciative of modern art and it's influence on how we see the world.

This experimental draft movie was made from several hundred still photos using Picasa 3- a free program. (you should download and try it!)
The movie shows the dolls visiting the DollTATe modern art gallery and viewing rooms containing some of the images of the Blob Body, some artefact's and paintings. (all original works by Megan A Sampson)
The Doll Nanny has her own paintings and sculptures on exhibit and there are also some of the dolls paintings on show (the actual children's work). This short movie culminates in an art gallery performance by the Blob body and a stick doll singing "under an orange sky". It is quite touching. Some of the Dolls were quite impressed and thought it was funny!
It is being refined right now, deleting some captions which are too hard to read, and adding a few early shots to establish the time and place. Input from "the real dolls" has given some new ideas.
I do intend to redo do this short movie in Adobe Premier incorporating the real children and images of the actual short film we made on shoes and legs, which was shown on the actual screen in the Wollongong art Gallery, some time ago. This will be uploaded to you tube under our name there - Megamummy
The real children (now represented as the dolls) assisted in the making of that film and were enthused and motivated when they saw it exhibited. The purpose of these efforts was to teach them that you can do anything if you are dedicated and really want to..

I hope that lesson in motivation helps them through life. I think it has.
you can view the DRAFT 1 of the movie at http://community.webshots.com/user/Dollshousedolls
if you have a look at the slideshow on the dolls art gallery on the right side on this page, you will get a better feeling for time and place.
You can view some of our work at http://community.webshots.com/user/Dollshousedolls
I am refining some of my writing for children and completing some other miniature books on Dolls in the dollshouse and adding Bilbies and Possums in the roof. (a Bilby is an endangered Australian marsupial with a hopping gait, large ears and long nose. )

Compare the 2 images and see the digital Magic!

2009-03-31T22:06:00.000-07:00

We've just added two images for you to compare to see how Lloyd of Vi Image can digitally improve your doll photos.

The Katie doll dirty face shows dust on the doll's face, while the digitally improved one shows work on the whites of the eyes, the lips redefined, the teeth, and even improved shadows on the left of the nose and on left inner eye.

The work done is barely discernible, but that is the magic!
That is proof of what Vi Image can do.
The top view looks so much better!

And here the Bonus..
We have a special low price for MOTHERS' DAY...a low price and a freebie mystery bonus!
if you send your photo now we can complete the transformation and return before the 5th May.. allowing you time to print copies at the photo shop near you. contact us at sampsms@ozemail.com.au
Prices are: For ONE MONTH ONLY we will give you a 50% discount. A saving of $10.00. ($20.00 fee for a standard photo, now with discount..only $10.00) If your photo needs more than one hour's work we will advise the hourly rate at the same discount.
We help you to Enjoy your little treasures!

photos in webshots

2009-03-29T22:46:00.000-07:00

dolls art gallery and miniature sculptures. to see the pics and prices
go to http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2133758680104971355xjDLGf

or goto / dollshousedolls

Things for sale and freebies. BE Enthused!

2009-03-19T22:57:00.001-07:00

Here are some special items for sale, and also some freebies.
To obtain one of the freebies just email me at sampsms @ ozemail . com . au You don't have to buy anything to receive the freebie, just add me to your address book so it doesn't go into the spam box. if and When you buy, we will send you a paypal invoice, so you can pay at a secure site.

SELLING:
2. E books called "Ryan rescues critter", and "Renee and the Giant Pumpkin" which includes an image of the book in miniature 1/12 size ready to print and fold. The books are original stories and each has an ISBN number. The first in the series. You can read it to your child/grandchild on your computer, or print it. You can also make your own miniature book, in 1/12 scale. $5.00 USD. please do not on-sell the miniature book. it is copyright.

3. Also selling - original primitive sculpture and original art pieces as shown. Most are made of Queensland boulder opal and are valuable just for the opal. Other sculptured pieces are in DAS or fimo and prices range from $7.00 to $70.00 AUD. The Original art has been created over a period of 30 years. most are 8x10 or 6x 4 watercolours, or black and white ink. All Numbered, unframed Limited edition copies are $7.00 USD. Never before offered.

4 and NOT TO FORGET.. Lloyd can work digital magic on your doll picture like the ones April took below. For ONE MONTH ONLY we will give you a 50% discount. A saving of $10.00. ($20.00 fee for a standard photo, now with discount..only $10.00
If your photo needs more than one hour's work we will advise the hourly rate at the same discount.
GREAT GIFT for Mothers Day! ANY PHOTO (doll or person) IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE DISCOUNT!

Freebies:
Cherami miniature colouring ebook on famous pidgeon ww1. This is free BUT must not be sold.
it includes a mini image for creating a miniature book in 1/12 scale.
Free pattern for making bagpipes and Free old newspaper - 4 pages. not to be sold.
Other freebies to come.

Mega says: "Do what you enjoy, and you will jump out of bed in the morning enthused and enthralled". Enthusiasm is catching. Enthusiasm cures most ills. Be Enthused!

Dining set without nails - sold

2009-03-19T21:42:00.000-07:00

SORRY SOLD - This 1:12 scale dining room setting has 9 pieces plus the plates, foods, flowers, chair covers and rug as shown. The pieces include: a corner dresser, a side cupboard with opening drawers, a small mirror, a stove, a round table and 4 chairs.
They appear to have been made from a pressed ply cutout and put together without nails. email me at sampsms@ozemail.com.au if you have questions about anything on our site.

Original Antiqued Artefacts

2009-03-16T00:29:00.000-07:00

I've also had fun making original miniature ARTEFACTS- some from pieces of REAL boulder opal, found here in Australia. I made others from Terracotta DAS.
I'll put up a few photos on my blog .
If you'd like prices and more photos to view, just email me at sampsms@ozemail.com.au

help - in making mini things FREE

2009-03-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

I've been working on making realistic bacon and sirloin steak (I must be needing iron)
as well as modelling a man doll's head (stage one). (I find it very hard to buy a suitable man doll, so am making some myself from fimo and I will paint this one and add hair later. (I could use it a as an ornament on top of the piano) next one will be made in flesh colour.
I'll put up a few photos to help you.

To make good realistic meat you simply smear some craft glue onto a plastic lid. (use a glue that dries transparent.) As it dries, peel it off, still in it's soft state and shape roughly. Then apply white paint in smears where the fat would be, and add smears of dark red and lighter red nail polish.a touch of white nail polish might help.

The transparent glue is great for bacon and meat and can be cut with scissors later.

If anyone wants a pattern for making bagpipes let me know and I will post it. The fringing on the bagpipes was simply a type of knitting yarn, and perfect for carpet fringes and other effects.
It is 1:12 scale. a tip for bagpipes. Try to use a tartan which is tiny to meet 1:12 scale or else use tartan ribbon and join it if necessary. I was lucky enough to find a second hand silk blouse.

Op shops (or thrift shops /charity shops) are a great resource even for nailpolish.Nail polish is useful when making mini's. create a shine on fruit, food, or colour birds wings.. etc
You'll have a large range of colours in no time. Friends look in my bathroom cupboard and wonder at the range. Most have no idea that I never paint my nails.If I did it would not be in black,white, green, yellow, orange or purple!
Don't forget to recommend my blog to others, or link to me. I'm willing to do reciprocal links.. http://dollshousedolls.blogsot.com

Help how to make a dolls handbag or Tote bag

2009-03-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

Someone asked how to make a tote bag in the 1/12 scale
(or handbag like the animal print one the Aunty Jewel doll is carrying.)
Here are the instructions. you can alter the size to make it smaller or larger)
re Making a mini tote bag.
note that a tote bag is simply a rectange folded into three, almost equal parts to create a front flap, a back and a front, and glued or sewed up the ends.

I prefer an insert in the ends, which I include in the instructions.

think of this: imagine a 3 1/2 inch by 1 1/2 inch rectangle.
now think of it scored into 3 across. (scored means :that is a line is marked across with a sharpish but NOT Cutting object like a pen or pointer)

Now imagine scoring and then folding a quarter inch back on both ends.
Get a piece of paper and experiment. Fold up the rectangle into the three. front flap, back and front. You might now want the front flap to be shorter.(adjust this later)
When I did this I decided that the base needed to be scored twice (1/4 of an inch apart) so the bag would sit upright.

If you were sitting next to me, you would now say, but how do I do the ends?
well, there are two options.

Option 1: is to cut two narrow pyramids 1 " high and a 1/4 inch wide. these can be glued in the sides. The handle will be glued under the front flap

Option 2: is to score under the base on the opposite side so you now have 3 score marks for the base. When you fold it, you can see the concertina of the base and realise you can simply sew up the sides or glue them.
if you want a handbag like the one on my blog..http://dollshousedolls.blogspot.com
then you just make the bag narrower and the front flap shorter. have a look at the leopard handbag, which I made last week.
Make it first in paper as a test pattern. Then use either fabric, leather or even paper.

One trick is to cut out the pattern in a coloured paper or organza, attach some "contact" or adhesive for covering school books, but leave some overlap. As you fold it up, you can then use the overlap to hold it together instead of the glue or sewing. I've added a sketch. Mega

There's been a makeover

2009-03-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks to you all, I've been enthused and during of 1-2 March I did a lot and changed some of the outfits on dolls I have had for 25 years. I had blood pressure of 200/90 so I had to do something!(like escape)One of my grandsons (photographer Lloyd) called in and exclaimed "they've had a complete makeover" I had made 6 party hats, re dressed Ryan doll in hat,kilt,and leopard sporan.I also made mini bagpipes!(that was a bit tricky)The Aunty Jewel doll had the lace taken off her Edwardian dress and a new leopard hat, shawl and handbag.The Nanny doll had a zebra hat and reversible shawl, Aunty April doll had a cream silk hat and scarf put over her riding outfit.The no 2 katie doll had a zebra outfit.. hat and dress and cerise scarf, while the kitchen katie had a leopard sunhat and apron. Poor Renee doll only had a leopard hat and a brown fur wrap, while Lloyd doll settled for a leopard bag slung over his shoulder. They were all photgraphed as Vogue models and right now are waiting for some digital imaging..(these dolls were in the original Dolls Alive video- and were the same as the real children.)
Miniatures and dolls and dollshouses is a great hobby.

I found a great free printable site

2009-03-10T14:26:00.000-07:00

I have found a great free printables site..
here is the link
http://www.printmini.com/printables/p1.shtml

At printmini you can get free printouts of newspapers, posters, cards, an unbelieveable list!

Right now I am working on original miniature books..these will be for sale as signed by the author copies, with ISBN numbers.
They are 1" in size and the first one is "Renee and the giant Pumpkin", and the second one, "Ryan and his Critter".. they will be available for $9.95 plus postage. Pay Pal only.
Contact me to place an order. sampsms @ ozemail . com . au

Ryan doll and critter

2009-01-11T20:28:00.000-08:00

Ryan Doll and Renee doll rescue Ryan dolls armadillo "critter" .

You can double click on the scenes in the slideshow opposite, to open in another window, then choose slideshow and see captions to follow the storyline.

Ryan Doll's "critter" storyline

2009-01-11T20:05:00.000-08:00

The dolls house dolls have been busy over Christmas.

One of the ducks (Jeramona Waddleduck) called out to Ryan doll and Renee doll, "the critter is in the glasshouse.. the critter has escaped.. The critter is in the glasshouse ." Jeramono was afraid that critter might eat her chicks.
Renee was the first to look in the glasshouse, then Ryan doll came to inspect.
He could see his little armadillo asleep on the bench, so he went inside to reclaim it, and carried it to the front door to show Nanny doll. While Ryan doll was talking, the little critter jumped out of his arms and ran into the lounge room.
Sean doll was about to eat a big piece of green cake and his eyes were a google! the Maid and Aunty Jewel doll looked on very disapprovingly.
The little Armadillo's brother was up on the mantle piece and the little critter was soon sitting on top of the leopard coloured wing chair. Ryan doll talked softly and patted his litle pet.
Nanny doll said she couldn't have critter in the house and worried if he might not be an armadillo and that he might grow very big.
Ryan doll put him in a cage near the chookhouse and took him to the creek daily. He grew bigger and eventually swam away to the sea. He was after all, not an armadillo , but a Dinoasaur.
Can you see who else was watching?
have a look at the slideshow.

Great dolls pics and I made the dolls!

2008-12-08T01:20:00.000-08:00

These superb untouched photos are of some of the dolls I made from Porcelain and then dressed. The photos make them look even better than they are! (please excuse my self praise.)

The Photos were taken by Master photographer April Sampson-Kelly copyright 1986.

Her son, Lloyd Kelly, of VI images, can make your dolls look beautiful too. Contact us for prices, if you 'd like to take advantage of this rare opportunity. Have a look at the dolls below.

You can have a photo taken of your doll or you can send us a photo by email, for Lloyd to work his digital magic on. Prices are Dependent on the time and work required. Basically $25.00 (AUD) for an easy one and $40.00 (AUD) for something requiring an hour of work.
You can then take the new image to your photo print shop and print as many copies as you like. They make a great present, postcard or even on your business card. The print shop can then print them on a mug, a mouse pad, a tee shirt. even a plate!
Keep the new digital image and it's use is endless. He can even digitise a printed photo.
write to us at mailto:sampsms@ozemail.com.au for details.

A few Kichen pics.. I love this kitchen..it's great

2008-11-21T22:49:00.000-08:00

"Dolls alive" Pumpkin segment

2008-11-07T18:54:00.000-08:00

The "Dolls alive" Pumpkin segment is written and here is a slideshow of some scenes.

Doll alive kitchen

2008-11-02T16:58:00.000-08:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/megamummy/DollsAliveKitchen#slideshow

Dolls Alive kitchen

2008-11-02T16:39:00.000-08:00

more Dolls Pics

2008-11-02T16:33:00.000-08:00

You can view other pics at picasaweb.google.com.megamummy/DollsAliveKitchen#

The Wiltshire Manor house and the "Dolls Alive" film

2008-11-02T15:20:00.000-08:00

We've done more work on the "Dolls Alive" film. (changed it name ) and Lloyd, who is now nearly 18 , did a great job on Thursday. He was making pancakes and fairy bread.

He was so professional in his cooking, that you might think he was another Jamie O ...

Unfortunately the camera person was not well and it was a bit shaky, so will have to redo.
I might try to put it up on you tube regardless.

here's some more photos. have a look at the slideshow.

The Wiltshire Manor house is finished.

2008-10-09T22:49:00.000-07:00

The Dolls house is Delivered!
The Wiltshire Manor dolls house is finished and delivered. It needs a coat of stain on the shingles and windows and a second coat of paint on the interior. Wallpaper and floor coverings have to chosen and much time will be spent enjoying this house. It is impossible to calculate the pleasure a house of this Quality can give. I've had fun making the garden, the chookhouse and birds, the miniature paintings and even the leopard covered wing and lounge chairs.

I can help you to source furniture and accessories. I have some furniture for sale, but not the pieces in the slideshow. We need these and the dolls for our dollshouse video/DVD which is still in the making.

I have included a few shots of the glass and wood greenhouse, with plants. this is a seperate item and can be purchased (without doll) for 125.00 USD. plus postage, depending on where you live. The glasshouse is a real pleasure in itself. it is the size of a one room, while The Wiltshire Manor house is 3 storeys high and has 7/8 rooms, depending on whether you chose to use the room divider to make the ensuite.

The stairwell in the front leads to the 2nd floor and the the stairs were all handmade. The windows were pre fabricated and go up and down. (essential in my view. )

YOU can purchase this house on an 8 week delivery basis, and the price is $2399.00 USD via Pay pal plus delivery costs. We will accept a 10% deposit, and delivery price is subject to where you live. Australia only unless special arrangements are made.

Remember this is a superior house, and is all handmade. The house will not include curved doorway or curved windows, because these took too long to make. You can choose not to have the timber panelling exterior, and further reduce the weight by not having the shingles.
The design was altered to seperate the house into two sections. It takes approx one metre square floor space, and you need a table to place it on, with room to move around to the back where you can open the other rooms.

We can send you our (unedited video) of the house in progress. (haven't had time to edit this yet. just write and ask for the details.)

contact me below or by email at mailto:sampsms@ozemail.com.au and write Wiltshire dolls house in the header, so I know it's not just spam. You can also telephone on 61 2 42 285774
We accept Pay pal for deposit, and progress payments are acceptable. We will send you a Pay Pal invoice. This house is not to be missed. It has taken 200 hours to make the prototype from a pattern which lay in the drawer for 30 years. We can send you the pattern for $7.00 USD, but it is not easy and much better to have one made.

Have a look at the slideshow...
Enjoy. Be capitivated. Be transported to another time and place.

Wiltshire dolls house Order $2399.00 USD 8 weeks

2008-10-09T21:56:00.000-07:00

Part of the garden dream animation

2008-10-02T02:54:00.000-07:00

The Ballerinas danced and entertained us, while the clown performed his own clown show.

the Katie doll

2008-09-27T00:44:00.000-07:00

The Katie doll is just like the real Katie.
Very Spanish/Italian looking and beautiful.

a variety of images from the dollshouse dolls

2008-09-27T00:40:00.001-07:00

These images are from the rooms of severalof the dollshouses.

There is the Wiltshire Manor, the old dolls house and the art galley shop with Dress designer in the room above. The art Gallery shop is where the dolls view their own little film called Legs..

There is also a Doll house stable, which doubles as a operetta stage. Photos to come.

The chook house and the conservatory, and the gardens are part of our "Dolls Alive film project".
We've made mostof the pieces including the plants and trees.

Enjoy!

The Ballerinas started dancing

2008-09-27T00:36:00.000-07:00

The clown said, "We can entertain you! lets' Dance".

The ballerinas started dancing, the tiny chessmen started practising, while the knight's horse pranced about and ran offstage.

Some dollshouse film scenes

2008-09-27T00:24:00.000-07:00

The dolls were playing on the swing in the rear garden, when suddenly they were aware of some magical visitors.
They noticed a dancing ballerina and a smiling clown, cavorting on the lawn near the doll size chess board, where tiny knights of the realm were practising their moves.
Renee doll rushed up to tell Nanny, but by the time they returned, the dreamlike scene had disappeared.
Nanny said not to tell the grown ups, because they wouldn't be able to believe it.
Most grown ups don't believe in magic, or visions or even in the little people like the two fairies who were playing on the see-saw.
Nanny just smiled in an understanding way, because she believed in all sorts of things.

some pics from the Dollshouse

2008-09-27T00:15:00.000-07:00

In the nursery, Izzy doll,
Sean Doll and a handmade Kookaburra on the fencepost.

Doll making is a special art

2008-09-27T00:05:00.000-07:00

She's been re-worked.
she's so cute

We needed a chookhouse

2008-09-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

We needed a chookhouse for our chickens and geese. A pidgeon managed to get herself a perch and a carpet snake is slithering up on the top shelf. Everything is handpainted and handmade. Some of the pieces are made of DAS, a self hardening clay which comes in teracotta and white. Other pieces like the pond and the green garden that the three birds are resting on is made of paper mache from an egg carton.
I do like to use FIMO for the birds. You mold and cook it in the oven or the microwave.
Doll house miniatures encompass all art skills.
It s a very absorbing hobby and enjoyable.

If you enlarge the image, you will see 3 little yellow chickens by the pond and a little turtle.

The dolls are modelled on the real children, and the VHS footage shows them dressed in the same outfits. Right now we are making a DVD for children to enjoy.
One of the real children, Ryan, found a turtle and put it in the pond at home.
He said that it was a turtle, not a tortoise because it had webbed feet. He was only 4.

If you would like to read my chicken stories, go to http://www.permaculturevisions.com/
and look at the children's pages.
In our doll house movie you will see our dolls learning to grow plants,
and become sustainable.
We use chickens and geese in our permaculture garden.

The Wiltshire manor is coming along

2008-09-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos to show the progress.
John is happy to make to order, although I don't think he wants to make interior curved doors in the next one..
write to me at mail to:sampsms@ozemail.com.au
This house is a great shop window attraction and would also make a great fund raiser..
a raffle, a lucky door prize, a special win.
It will be a museum piece one day.

This house will help your sales revenue!

2008-09-18T00:45:00.001-07:00

The Wiltshire Dolls house is a masterpiece and suitable as a display item in a toy or miniature hobby shop. You can order this house and benefit from it's superior craftmanship with increased customer presence and increased sales.
The Wiltshire house will be your silent salesperson, especially over the Christmas period.
Later, you can on -sell. Contact us for price and delivery details.

We also have a selection of original dolls house miniature paintings, as limited edition issue.
you can order classic paintings, animal paintings and modern art. Our artists are masters of their craft.
Watch for our photos coming soon.

The superior dollhouse- Wiltshire

2008-08-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

The Wiltshire dolls house is coming along nicely. I'll include a few photos here.
The detail and the workmanship is incredible. Just look at the hand made staircase and the oval doors. This house can be purchased completed, and delivered to your site. Contact us for details.

We'll add a slideshow later.

The plans are available as an ebook for $7.00. The funds from this ebook willbe donated to a charity for the blind. Just write to our email and put in the header "Dolls house plans". We will send you an invoice with a pay pal button and the e-book.
Review and click pay, it's all automatic.

We have plans for other dolls houses which you can buy for $2.00, and even links to some for free! Just write to sampsms@ozemail.com.au

Dolls house dolls blog is about miniatures

2008-08-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

This site is purely about being creative and enjoying the world of miniatures.

We have doll house plans FREE and great photos of our doll's house dolls, furniture, etc.
Currently, we are working on a serious dolls house called "Wiltshire".

This is for the serious collectors only. The plan is in an ebook cost $7.00, and we have a carpenter who could make it for you, but it is not cheap!
The Photo shows why! This house is ideal as a display in a childrens' or baby shop.

We can send you plans for other smaller houses and even one which is a one roomer.
We are working on a dolls' house video and it will be available soon.
write to Mega mailto:sampsms@ozemail.com.au

Check out our photos and also have a look at the pictures of Queen Mary's dolls house -
c 1921 - the ultimate in doll house design and miniatures.
Google it to see more.
We will share links and information on Doll houses and where to find miniatures etc in Australia.

Enjoy.

We have other serious blogs and our other webpages.

re Share trading, Permaculture, Sustainability, Climate change, and a blog on the woodwork forum.

We can help you FUND your hobby
by offering you our stockmarket newsletter at $52.00 a year,
and give you access to our share market tips.