Monday, August 3, 2015


The last of our summer visitors left last week and I was sad to see them go.  My daughter, son-in-law and grandson were here for only 4 short days but we had a great time. Boating, going to the beach, water park, rafting and....miniatures!

One of our miniature adventures is when Matthew and my daughter Sandra, made their own fairy doors.
They did all the painting, decorating, attached the leather hinges and since the door opens, added a backdrop. I think they did a wonderful job!




After dinner one night, my grandson told me that he "noticed" an empty dollhouse (Katelyn's Crossing) and wanted to know what I was going to put in it. So I bought it into the living room along
with all my Christmas minis and he began to arrange them the way he wanted. Here is what he came up with.


I know a lot of people wouldn't let a nine year old kid handle their minis, but in Matthews case I had no reservation. He had handled some minis the year before and not only was he very careful but very respectful.  Besides that, he didn't play with them.....not in the same way kids play "lets pretend" with Barbie and GI Joe. He simply arranged them.  Once he got it the way he liked it, he was done. Altho he knows this isn't the final arrangement (I have to make some displays), that was OK....
as long as I waited til his next trip down so he can help.

Yesterday I went to Hobby Lobby and picked up some water-slide decal paper.  I have wanted to make my own decals for a long time because I have no artistic ability as far as painting and drawing are concerned.   I can use this for so many things,  Decorating furniture, jewelry boxes and making stained glass.  But I decided to start out with something small...a garden sign.  At first I did an experiment on some scrap wood and was very pleased at how it turned out.  But then became very displeased after everything dried.  The edges of the decal turned up!


Does any one in blogland who has worked with decals know what may have happened?  I followed direction precisely.  Any help is truly appreciated.  Until I figure something out, I'm going to set it aside for a while.  Will let you know what happened in my next post.

Have a great day everyone!

Diane