A Medieval Baby House

A few years ago, I saw a photo of a tiny medieval pottery jug. It was dollhouse size, and started me thinking about what kind of dollhouse someone in the 1400's might have had. As far as I know, there are no surviving examples, but why not a cabinet house? Luckily, I was able to conspire with my wonderfully talented friend David Hurley, who makes exquisite museum quality 14th-17th century furniture, he created a beautiful cabinet with space for a great hall, bedroom and "solar" (day room).

You can see the result, with a medieval lady by Todd Krueger, in the photograph at the lower right.

Now I'm making another medieval baby house as a special order for a client. It will have a slightly different color scheme from the original.

Here it is just as I was getting started. I'm using gesso to add a slight texture to the interior walls, which were then painted a soft white. The floors are molded "stone", painted warm grey and drybrushed with the same white I used for the walls to add texture. David left the back of the cabinet loose - it makes interior finishing much easier. It will be glued on later.

Miniature Miniatures Web Site

It's here - the new Miniatures Miniatures web site!
Miniature Miniatures 

Lots of goodies there, including galleries of works from the past and items available for immediate sale.

Please drop by and have a look around.

Today's Quote

I couldn't say it better myself:"I am often asked, 'Don't you hate to see things leave your studio?' Well, no, I don't hate it. I make my living from letting things go. You just hope, if you make things as I do, that they can make their way in the world and have some longevity." - Edward deWaal, from The Hare with Amber Eyes

Opening in Guild School Class

My Victorian Cottage class for the IGMA Guild School was full, but unfortunately, it turns out that one of the students can't come to Castine this year. This means that as of this afternoon, one spot in the class is again availble. If you've ever thought of treating yourself to the fabulous Guild School experience, and would like to take the class, we would love to have you join us!

Coming Soon!

The web site I have been promising for some time is finally under construction, and will be up and running shortly. It will have information about me, a gallery of past work and items available for immediate sale.

I will post the url here as soon as it is ready for visitors. Check back for further developments!

Pumpkin Patch

This fall themed walnut house sold at the Philadelphia Miniaturia show in November. I've waited to put pictures up because it was to be a surprise Christmas present.

HO and N scale molded plants are becoming available - a great resource for those of us who work in small scales, though they take quite a bit of tweaking in order to look natural. They are molded in very bright colors, so they need repainting, as well. When I saw the pumpkins, I couldn't resist using them with a walnut house; it seemed like the perfect combination!

The cozy interior includes two tiny cats on an ottoman by Sylvia Mobley.

A Pargeted House

Decorative plaster work, known as pargeting, was the fashionable way to update your half timber house in 16th-17th century England. Inspired by Henry VIII's Nonesuch Palace (now demolished, unfortunately), designs could range from simple geometric shapes to fabulous fantasy creations, depending upon the skill of the craftsman and the taste - and budget - of the home's owner. The craft of pargeting is still practised in England today; "Pargeter" (the author Edith Pargeter, for example) has even become a last name.

I had wanted to make a pargeted house ever since I first saw pictures of some fifteen years ago; they are so unusual and charming! Until very recently, though, I coudn't quite decide how to go about it. When I finally tackled the problem head on, it turned out to require several different materials and techniques, including brass etchings, N scale landscaping bits and molded styrene shapes. Quite a lot of trial and error was involved, but I was pleased with the result.

The house sold at Philadelphia Miniaturia, and is now in a private collection. I will probably make another pargeted house, but not quite as eleaborate. this one has pargeting on three sides.

I gave it a cozy English cottage interior, with a half tester bed inthe master bedroom. The little dog on the cushion (upper right room) is by Sylvia Mobley.