Inspiration Photo: Kashipur Rajbari

I found these photos of the Kashipur Rajbari (palace) as inspiration photos for the architectural details of the Garfield Manor. While the palace is very different from the Garfield, there are some common features, such as the arched windows and the tower. I might be able to take some of the simpler architectural details and use them on my dollhouse. 

The railings on the veranda in the photo below look very similar to the Garfield's porch railings.

The weather-vane reminded me of the one I got for my Garfield. I also have an old Durham water-pump that I can place behind the kitchen, reminiscent of the water tap shown in the photo below.

Weather Vane

Found the perfect little weather vane for the manor. It is a Holly Hobbie Miniature die cast metal weather vane with rotating parts! It is dated 1976, Durham Industries. The brass alloy metal goes quite nicely with the dark roof shingles.

Thank You Mary Eccher!

Today marks the fourth anniversary of my Mini Food Blog! Let me begin by thanking all the artists for sharing their works on the blog. Also, thanks to all the readers for keeping me company for the last four years.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs. Susan Eccher, daughter-in-law of artist Mary Eccher. Last year, Susan came across the article I had dedicated to the memory of Mary Eccher. She was touched by the tribute, and sent me a number of Mary Eccher's miniatures as gift. I never dreamed of owning Ms. Eccher's works in my collection ... these minis will always remain close to my heart.

With a five-month-old at home, I have not had much time for miniatures. Today I finally took a few photos of Ms. Eccher's minis to share on the blog on this special occasion. There are a few more items in the collection that have not been photographed.

You can learn more about the artist at Pannikins by Mary Eccher. Mary's Menus is a veritable treasure trove for mini food artists! To view these articles where Mary shares her techniques for polymer clay and resin food creations, visit: pannikins.homestead.com/new.html

Paperclay Bricks

Finished bricking the manor, and just in time too! With baby due next week, I guess it is time to say goodbye to mini-making for a while, and get busy with my real life miniature. So, send all your prayers our way!

It took me about twelve packs of "Pearl" paperclay to complete the house. Each pack contains 17.5 oz. of paper clay. I would still like to add brick border around the windows and the main door, and perhaps some architectural details as in my inspiration photo, but that will not be happening any time soon!

Thank You Kimmie Lou!

Can't believe my luck! I won this corn bread prep board on Kimmy Lou's blog give-away! From the crumbs to the tiny recipe card, thin egg shells to the freshly broken egg yolk ... the details are unbelievable! Kimmie, thank you so much for this and the cupcakes!

For more minis by Kimmie Lou, visit:
Blog: kimmilouminiatures.blogspot.com
CDHM: cdhm.org/user/kimmilou

Thank You Kim!

I just realized, I had never shared these photos on the Garfield Blog. These wonderful Birthday cake, cupcakes and cookies were gifts from Kim Saulter for the second birthday of The Mini Food Blog. Those who know Kim, already know her loving and generous nature, but she never ends to surprise me! Kim actually made this cake for the blog's birthday, not for the contest or anything, but just because she is a sweetheart who loves minis ... so, what are we waiting for? Let's cut the cake and pass around the plates.

For more minis by Kim Saulter, visit:
Blog: kimsminiatures.blogspot.com
Flickr: flickr.com/photos/kimsdollhouses
eBay: myworld.ebay.com/kim8168
Etsy: etsy.com/shop/kimsminis

River Rock Foundation

While the front of the house features pretty lattice-work on the foundation, the back portion of the foundation is sadly bare. One inexpensive and fun solution is to hot-glue river stones on the foundation. A 99 cent bag of river stones from Hobby Lobby was enough to cover the bare portions of the foundation, with plenty to spare. It felt like working on a narrow jigsaw puzzle, trying to find the right stones to fit perfectly ...