tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67004957805513720042024-03-14T09:26:28.128+13:00Myrtle Manor Miniatures12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-26754155188977615242016-01-29T23:09:00.002+13:002023-04-25T13:21:37.774+12:0012Create<div style="text-align: justify;">
12Create has been my user name on a number of creative sites for many years and now it is the name of my new blog.</div>
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I will still be doing miniatures but I want to explore a whole lot of other crafts as well. 12Create reflects this change in my creative journey.</div>
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I will continue to use Myrtle Manor Miniatures for my miniature posts. However, I do hope some of you will want to follow me on my new blog also. I look forward to sharing my future creative adventures with you.</div>
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Please go to <a href="http://www.12createblog.blogspot.co.nz/">12Create</a> if you wish to following my musings about every day life, cross stitch, quilting, book arts and other crafts.</div>
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12Create: <a href="http://www.12createblog.blogspot.co.nz/">www.12Createblog.blogspot.co.nz</a><br />
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12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-56814796335256636972016-01-13T13:07:00.002+13:002023-04-25T13:40:22.548+12:00Moving Forward<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi my blog friends, this is me. I hate having my photo taken but I am putting it out there - this is me:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKeUItmxECg/VpWSj4c0L4I/AAAAAAAADJ4/IEKVuXBXmKQ/s1600/IMG_6397.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKeUItmxECg/VpWSj4c0L4I/AAAAAAAADJ4/IEKVuXBXmKQ/s400/IMG_6397.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Taken today - no make-up - but it is me.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">I haven't been around as much over the last year. Two years ago my husband lost his management job which left us in a difficult financial situation. He has had a few temporary jobs in the interim but we have been unable to really get ahead. This resulted in us having to sell our house at a large loss last month and we are now living in an old rental property - on the bright side we no longer have a mortgage. Our future is uncertain as my husband is trying to get back into an IT position and we could end up moving at any time. During those two years my Mum also passed away and my father-in-law had a major stroke among other things. It has not been an easy two years but luckily if anything it has brought my husband and I closer together with a focus on trying to map out a good future for ourselves and our 13 year old daughter. One thing that did suffer was my creative endeavours - apart from having a nil budget I found it hard to focus on anything.</div>
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However, that is in the past and I am now determined to move forward both creatively and in other areas of our lives. While things are still financially tight I realise I don't need to let that restrict my creativity and I need to challenge myself to create again. I respond to being challenged - it gives me a goal to work towards. I am also focusing on trying to get fit and healthy and move myself from obese to healthy. My gorgeous daughter saved her money and bought me a Fitbit for Christmas which is motivating me to move more, eat more healthily and drink more water.</div>
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Speaking of my daughter, Jamie starts High School this year - I can't believe how quickly she is growing up.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a6KytCDNrrg/VpWKYxjz-hI/AAAAAAAADJY/E6t_U4NcQ_Y/s1600/WP_20151210_003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a6KytCDNrrg/VpWKYxjz-hI/AAAAAAAADJY/E6t_U4NcQ_Y/s400/WP_20151210_003.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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Dressed up for her leaving dinner at the end of her Year 8 Intermediate School year.</div>
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Ready to go into her dance medal test in October with her proud father in the background. </div>
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(He wants me to note that he has a bit more hair now).</div>
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Anyway, while I have done little creatively lately I have given things a lot of thought. I realise that while I love my blog and my blog friends I had got to a stage where I stopped letting myself just do things on a whim because I kept pressuring myself to try and come up with something miniature to put on my blog. I found sometimes I was trying to persevere with things my heart just wasn't in. Unconsciously, I had stopped doing this for me. So while I am looking forward to getting back to blogging there will be changes.</div>
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In the past I have explored a number of hobbies - porcelain doll making, teddy bear making including miniature bears, basketry and macrame, book binding and book arts, fabric dolls, a little dabble at felt making, paper making and paper crafts, a bit of embroidery and more lately adult colouring in. I realise I am not good at limiting myself to one thing. While I want to continue in miniatures I do not want to limit myself to only miniatures. I am in the process of teaching myself crochet which has been a goal for quite some time - hopefully I can scale it down to miniatures. I also want to dabble more in embroidery, more book art and doll making in different forms and improve on my wood crafting skills. I am sure there are other crafts out there I will want to explore as well. Of course whatever crafts I do learn and experiment with I will probably want to explore in miniature. I also used to really enjoy photography and want to get back into that as well.</div>
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Therefore in the future I am likely to blog about whatever I am doing at any given time. I will be doing things just because I want to do them not because I feel I have to do them.</div>
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I am sorry this is a bit long winded but I am getting this down in print as much for myself as to explain to my blog friends where I have been and where I am heading.</div>
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I have managed to set up a small work space in the rental and I am ready and rearing to go. Pride of place on my work desk is a gorgeous calendar received from Birgit of <a href="http://biwubaer.blogspot.com/">BiWuBaren on the Blog</a>. It will be a pleasure to move on creatively with Flubby and Rosey by my side.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1rTy-tllOMg/VpV3897QGyI/AAAAAAAADIc/oe_JiC35lfI/s1600/IMG_6391.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1rTy-tllOMg/VpV3897QGyI/AAAAAAAADIc/oe_JiC35lfI/s400/IMG_6391.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was very happy and surprised to receive a Christmas package from Birgit in December. As well as the calendar and some marzipan chocolates I received two beautiful decorations to add to my Christmas box.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-efMfPhk9pnU/VpV8loM3GqI/AAAAAAAADI0/7qHV_UmjCw8/s1600/IMG_6390.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-efMfPhk9pnU/VpV8loM3GqI/AAAAAAAADI0/7qHV_UmjCw8/s400/IMG_6390.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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The gorgeous red and green candle decoration on Edward Elf's table.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNgRqAlbLfM/VpV8kzuJOkI/AAAAAAAADIs/rcMU4Cd_3eQ/s1600/IMG_6388.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNgRqAlbLfM/VpV8kzuJOkI/AAAAAAAADIs/rcMU4Cd_3eQ/s400/IMG_6388.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The lovely wooden decoration at the back of this shelf. Love it.</div>
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Also included were these stars that I can use to make something for the Christmas box.</div>
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Finally there was this gorgeous Christmas card. I just love Birgit's work and also her photography.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CE4ONb38G2A/VpWF-ohZWuI/AAAAAAAADJE/1R1zO8Cuv4Y/s1600/IMG_6394.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CE4ONb38G2A/VpWF-ohZWuI/AAAAAAAADJE/1R1zO8Cuv4Y/s400/IMG_6394.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love the little characters with Flubby, especially the one on the left as I adore snowdrops.</div>
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Anyway that is it from me for today. I will be back soon. It is my last day of the Christmas holidays as I head back to work tomorrow. </div>
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Best wishes to everyone for 2016 - it is going to be a good year.</div>
12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-75551495653501475092015-05-17T11:38:00.000+12:002015-05-17T11:38:00.331+12:00Club Meeting Makes<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi All. First of all I have to apologise to my two giveaway winners. I had an opportunity to attend a miniature club meeting an hour away from where I live last weekend so I didn't get around to making the items to send to you. I will therefore be making them this weekend and will get them posted to you during the week after they have dried properly. </div>
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I don't usually attend the miniature meeting because I can't justify the travel cost but my daughter had a dance workshop to attend in the same city last weekend so I got my husband to get her to the workshop and take her shopping while I spent four hours with fellow miniaturists. It was only a small gathering of six people as it was Mother's Day in New Zealand so some people had other plans with family. My daughter Jamie paid the cost of the workshop for my Mothers' Day present. It was just a little workshop of a petticoat table and a little photograph album. After I got home I 'toadised' my table for Toad Stall by painting it green and adding a few bits and pieces. I want to find some little seed caps or something similar for little cups. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ulZWUyQfS3k/VVfPqJx8iOI/AAAAAAAADGs/u07DpN10oUs/s1600/IMG_6201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ulZWUyQfS3k/VVfPqJx8iOI/AAAAAAAADGs/u07DpN10oUs/s400/IMG_6201.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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The table is set with a jar of Tiberius T. Toad's Honey and Swamp Water Ale and some mushroom bread with toadstool stalk topping.</div>
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Then Tibs made some platters from dried pumpkin skins (made from polymer clay). I see a snail is trying to find a way into the ale.</div>
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This is the little paper photo album we made:<br />
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Well that is all for now from Myrtle Manor Miniatures and Toad Stall. I have to get making some planter pots. I have to get my daughter to another dance class this afternoon too so I'd better get cracking while I have the chance. </div>
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I hope you are all having a great weekend.</div>
12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-7953277939624462632015-05-03T16:22:00.001+12:002015-05-03T16:22:20.179+12:00Giveaway Draw<div style="text-align: justify;">
First of all I have to share with you that I had a disastrous weekend miniatures wise. I spent all yesterday creating polymer clay fungi and toadstools etc so I could make some minis to show on today's blog. I put them in the oven last night and what came out - a melted, singed mess!!! I have no idea what happened although I suspect I may have had the tray a bit too close to the elements. I only managed to salvage a few of them and incorporate them into the miniatures I have been working on. I still have so much to learn about using polymer clay. Then this morning a tube of white paint exploded everywhere. After cleaning that up I thought I had better quit trying to make any more miniatures before I did some real damage and to just get on with choosing a name for Toad.</div>
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Well trust me that wasn't easy either. Thank you for contributing so many great names for Toad - some regal or mythical, some fun and others solid and befitting a woodland toad. I have listed all the names below so that if you are ever in the position where you need to name a toad you can come back to this spot on my blog for ideas!</div>
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Albert<br />
Archimedes<br />
Aristotle<br />
Bellows<br />
Cornelius<br />
Darwin<br />
Eder<br />
Fred Puddles<br />
Fredy<br />
Gustavo<br />
HH (short for Hippity Hop)<br />
Irwin<br />
Jiminy Hoppit<br />
Johnny Longlegs<br />
Jumpy<br />
Pheleas Stomper<br />
Phil<br />
Puddles Hoppidy<br />
Rodderick<br />
Roger<br />
Sir Theodore Toad<br />
Socrates<br />
Telly von Toad<br />
Teodosio<br />
Thadeus<br />
Theodore<br />
Tibbir<br />
Tibbir the Toad<br />
Tiberius T Toad (Tibs for Short)<br />
Tibs Toad<br />
Toadwood III<br />
Toadwort<br />
Tobias<br />
Toby<br />
Toby Toad<br />
Todd<br />
Toddy<br />
Todsy<br />
Touchwood<br />
Trevor<br />
Wembley<br />
Wembley Wetfoot<br />
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There will be two prizes. The first will go to the person who provided the name I choose for toad. The second name will be as the result of a random draw of everyone who commented on my recent blog entries about Toad Stall.</div>
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Drum roll please... you may now address Mr Toad as:</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tiberius T. Toad (Tibs for short).</span> The T standing for Titus, the name of his grandfather who escaped from a stork's beak. </div>
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And the winner is <span style="font-size: large;">BiWuBar</span>.<br />
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I loved this name the minute I read it. Not just for the name but also for the way it added to Toad's story. He is a proud toad - proud of his family's history, his grandfather and his own entrepreneurial abilities. I feel this name suits him.</div>
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Tiberius T. Toad (Tibs)</div>
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There were three other names definitely in the running but I kept going back to Tibs.</div>
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Now for the random draw:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4xEks0SFoy4/VUWS-SzoPzI/AAAAAAAADEo/JVpRbIt8vpM/s1600/IMG_6176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4xEks0SFoy4/VUWS-SzoPzI/AAAAAAAADEo/JVpRbIt8vpM/s1600/IMG_6176.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Drawn by my daughter Jamie.</div>
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... and the winner is <span style="font-size: large;">Miniaturista</span>.<br />
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As for the prizes:</div>
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<u>Option A</u>: You can choose your favourite item(s) from Toad Stall (apart from Jane's hutch of course) - name your favourite item and also let me know if there are any other items on the stall you like;</div>
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OR <u>Option B</u>: you can leave it up to me to surprise you if you can't decide;</div>
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OR <u>Option C</u>: if you are not into fantasy and toads I am happy to send you a red cart and some empty planters for you to fill as you please.</div>
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You might choose:</div>
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A red cart full of finds similar to this:</div>
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A chair planted out in fungi similar to this:</div>
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A planter of fungi & snails such as one of these:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nOwN7V4q5Us/VUWdO0muNdI/AAAAAAAADFE/fCZS5CEZyd0/s1600/IMG_6180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nOwN7V4q5Us/VUWdO0muNdI/AAAAAAAADFE/fCZS5CEZyd0/s1600/IMG_6180.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hollowed out pumpkins filled with fungi similar to these:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LhlLFkbI6y8/VUWdQJsuPLI/AAAAAAAADFY/3gr8N6-QhHM/s1600/IMG_6183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LhlLFkbI6y8/VUWdQJsuPLI/AAAAAAAADFY/3gr8N6-QhHM/s1600/IMG_6183.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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A toadstool stool similar to this:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTnTbVfzCGU/VUWdQulT9MI/AAAAAAAADFc/P3BxPcuE1gU/s1600/IMG_6184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTnTbVfzCGU/VUWdQulT9MI/AAAAAAAADFc/P3BxPcuE1gU/s1600/IMG_6184.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Some little wall plaques similar to these:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cL8i4AsfS5k/VUWdRxC1DbI/AAAAAAAADFs/J-fCX6lUxvA/s1600/IMG_6185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cL8i4AsfS5k/VUWdRxC1DbI/AAAAAAAADFs/J-fCX6lUxvA/s1600/IMG_6185.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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A pennant banner similar to this:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J_5BPirtfBQ/VUWdSR_E2JI/AAAAAAAADF0/zzaYNOV4BDc/s1600/IMG_6187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J_5BPirtfBQ/VUWdSR_E2JI/AAAAAAAADF0/zzaYNOV4BDc/s1600/IMG_6187.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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A toadstool bread board and mushroom bread with fungi stalk topping similar to this:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MqiXlhQxKGA/VUWdToILQkI/AAAAAAAADGI/MU4aNCr3j6M/s1600/IMG_6189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MqiXlhQxKGA/VUWdToILQkI/AAAAAAAADGI/MU4aNCr3j6M/s1600/IMG_6189.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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A bouquet of fungi similar to these:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xsgEDLDiyDg/VUWdTmyDT1I/AAAAAAAADGE/J4jBSZEd6fs/s1600/IMG_6191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xsgEDLDiyDg/VUWdTmyDT1I/AAAAAAAADGE/J4jBSZEd6fs/s1600/IMG_6191.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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or Option C - a red cart and planters such as these:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9HSEtgzve3A/VUWdU_pMZ9I/AAAAAAAADGU/G2h15zt4BDM/s1600/IMG_6193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9HSEtgzve3A/VUWdU_pMZ9I/AAAAAAAADGU/G2h15zt4BDM/s1600/IMG_6193.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>BiWuBar</strong> and <strong>Miniaturista</strong>, please email me using the 'Email Me' on the side bar and let me know what you would like. I will complete your miniatures over the next week and hopefully get them in the post to you next weekend.</div>
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As we always say when drawing a giveaway I wish I could give everyone who took the time to provide a name and/or comment a gift. In any event I hope you are all having a great weekend.</div>
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Bye for now from Toad Stall and Tiberius T. Toad.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LoOI1n4ms8/VUWdT2huQUI/AAAAAAAADGM/j6oqwoONV5M/s1600/IMG_6192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LoOI1n4ms8/VUWdT2huQUI/AAAAAAAADGM/j6oqwoONV5M/s1600/IMG_6192.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-49645137206106995762015-04-30T20:03:00.000+12:002015-04-30T20:03:27.223+12:00Special Parcel in the MailI have received a special parcel in the mail - my prize from Noelle of <a href="http://nonomininostalgie.blogspot.co.nz/">Nono Mini Nostalgie</a> for the fourth best guess at guessing how many items were in her delightful mini flea market.<br />
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I have long admired Nono's beautiful work and am thrilled to have something she has made amongst my miniature collection.<br />
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If you haven't visited her blog I really advise you to do so for a dose of inspiration.<br />
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My prize was a box of wonderful vintage house numbers such as she has in her miniature flea market. <br />
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Thank you so much Nono. I am thinking about doing a car boot sale scene and these will be perfect. I just have to find the right car for the scene.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6rcyi08I2E/VUHgPfGgw9I/AAAAAAAADD4/8PEL7t9nt74/s1600/IMG_6171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6rcyi08I2E/VUHgPfGgw9I/AAAAAAAADD4/8PEL7t9nt74/s1600/IMG_6171.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YSUlfwnFeiY/VUHgPuvZTqI/AAAAAAAADEA/_LOoHXP_n_k/s1600/IMG_6173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YSUlfwnFeiY/VUHgPuvZTqI/AAAAAAAADEA/_LOoHXP_n_k/s1600/IMG_6173.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-48010200181087752672015-04-27T14:59:00.000+12:002015-04-27T14:59:49.961+12:00Giveaway Draw Is One Week Away<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi there. Just a quick reminder that my giveaway is drawn next weekend with a closing date of <strong>8.00am Sunday 3 May (New Zealand time).</strong> I will post the results some time on Sunday.</div>
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I have decided there will be two prizes. Quite a few people have expressed a desire to be in the giveaway but have not suggested a name for Toad. The winner of the main prize will be the person who has suggested the name I choose to use for Toad - so please keep the names coming in. You can suggest more than one name. There will also be a second prize drawn from the names of anyone who has made a comment whether they have given a name for Toad or not. So if you want to enter the giveaway but have not been able to think of a name for Toad please comment that you would like to be included in the giveaway. The only condition of the giveaway is to be a follower of my blog.</div>
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As for toad - he is still only a head!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3tre8nlmfGI/VT2dNtMhoOI/AAAAAAAADBs/olZku6tMavc/s1600/IMG_6164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3tre8nlmfGI/VT2dNtMhoOI/AAAAAAAADBs/olZku6tMavc/s1600/IMG_6164.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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The rest of his body will have to wait until I have made a few more things for his stall so the winners of the giveaway have something to choose from.<br />
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I have made a few additions to the stall items:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FnoOmx9EGzo/VT2d6RJpoUI/AAAAAAAADB4/Ie7f9yHapx0/s1600/IMG_6155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FnoOmx9EGzo/VT2d6RJpoUI/AAAAAAAADB4/Ie7f9yHapx0/s1600/IMG_6155.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Little toadstool pennant string.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jATZ6SQ38ek/VT2d6YKLHeI/AAAAAAAADB0/UXxMaSMCAA0/s1600/IMG_6156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jATZ6SQ38ek/VT2d6YKLHeI/AAAAAAAADB0/UXxMaSMCAA0/s1600/IMG_6156.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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A couple of chairs ready for planting and planters.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxFl_RzgUwM/VT2d7yIVwLI/AAAAAAAADCM/6n_IB-IKygs/s1600/IMG_6157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxFl_RzgUwM/VT2d7yIVwLI/AAAAAAAADCM/6n_IB-IKygs/s1600/IMG_6157.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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A couple of little wall plaques.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIg-SPLOrXo/VT2d960CX5I/AAAAAAAADCg/RHjkjNadrIs/s1600/IMG_6160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIg-SPLOrXo/VT2d960CX5I/AAAAAAAADCg/RHjkjNadrIs/s1600/IMG_6160.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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A chair in progress as well as <a href="http://minifanaticus.blogspot.co.nz/2015_02_01_archive.html">Jane's gorgeous hutch</a> that started it all.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CrbzsNk_iEM/VT2d_BIHdmI/AAAAAAAADC4/NlmBqy2WcRw/s1600/IMG_6163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CrbzsNk_iEM/VT2d_BIHdmI/AAAAAAAADC4/NlmBqy2WcRw/s1600/IMG_6163.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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A toadstool stool, planted small hollowed out pumpkin, large hollowed out pumpkin still to be planted.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4GPRJ-j-Ca0/VT2d8cTy9PI/AAAAAAAADCQ/etN_G8O00Zc/s1600/IMG_6158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4GPRJ-j-Ca0/VT2d8cTy9PI/AAAAAAAADCQ/etN_G8O00Zc/s1600/IMG_6158.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have started giving Toad's cart a bit of a battering. He uses the cart to collect bits and pieces from abandoned cabins on the edge of the woodland to make items for his stall.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6dJm2fEIXo/VT2d-t3IpyI/AAAAAAAADCw/A3bGcV2S_b4/s1600/IMG_6162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6dJm2fEIXo/VT2d-t3IpyI/AAAAAAAADCw/A3bGcV2S_b4/s1600/IMG_6162.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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A general view of the cardboard mock-up of Toad's stall. I have decide it does need a bit of frontage for landscaping so have added a foam core base.</div>
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Anyway, that is where things are with Toad's Stall. I need to spend the rest of the afternoon making some toadstools and fungi so I can make some more things. Toad is getting very excited (he would jump up and down if he had a body). He can't wait to open his stall and in the meantime he is looking forward to next weekend's giveaway draw.</div>
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See you next weekend.12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-71081102546498152672015-04-19T17:51:00.001+12:002015-04-19T17:51:30.046+12:00Behind or A-head!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi there. I am feeling a bit behind with the schedule I had set myself for doing toad stall but I do have a head - a toad's head that is.</div>
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Actually toad also had a body earlier today but that has ended up in the bin so I only have a head to show you. I don't know if this head will belong to the final toad in my project. I may try some other techniques for making a toad yet. I consider the options to be polymer clay, paper mache or fabric sculpting. This one is made from polymer clay and has been painted.</div>
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He looks a little sad without a body. Maybe by next weekend. I travelled to see family yesterday so haven't achieved much this weekend. I really must get more disciplined and try to do some miniatures in the evenings during the week.</div>
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Toad also has a cart for his fungi collecting. He really would love to pull it along but unfortunately he needs a body for that! I will attempt to give the cart a worn and rusted look.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PRzlatpNvjo/VTM-UjS4jaI/AAAAAAAADAk/zFQdtAvD-zo/s1600/IMG_6146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PRzlatpNvjo/VTM-UjS4jaI/AAAAAAAADAk/zFQdtAvD-zo/s1600/IMG_6146.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fdfatocWdQ/VTM-Ujwpe-I/AAAAAAAADAo/6xc9gwDzYN0/s1600/IMG_6147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fdfatocWdQ/VTM-Ujwpe-I/AAAAAAAADAo/6xc9gwDzYN0/s1600/IMG_6147.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CEtuJzisTwE/VTM-U6YONnI/AAAAAAAADAs/siSYun4Xm6M/s1600/IMG_6149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CEtuJzisTwE/VTM-U6YONnI/AAAAAAAADAs/siSYun4Xm6M/s1600/IMG_6149.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had a lovely time at a second hand book sale with two of my sisters, my husband and daughter yesterday. I do love books. I picked up some great books but two I am really happy with are two old DMC embroidery booklets. I certainly think some of the alphabets, borders and little designs will come in handy in the future for miniatures.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-19-vgVqjKDw/VTNAMQAXXVI/AAAAAAAADBQ/c4ZNtzYOwLE/s1600/IMG_6150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-19-vgVqjKDw/VTNAMQAXXVI/AAAAAAAADBQ/c4ZNtzYOwLE/s1600/IMG_6150.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s-vOO38UDio/VTNAN96dUlI/AAAAAAAADBc/W-4KvbC1UFY/s1600/IMG_6153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s-vOO38UDio/VTNAN96dUlI/AAAAAAAADBc/W-4KvbC1UFY/s1600/IMG_6153.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6wU1C9vYyT8/VTNAMnVei-I/AAAAAAAADBM/c6pvQ5gY5_Y/s1600/IMG_6151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6wU1C9vYyT8/VTNAMnVei-I/AAAAAAAADBM/c6pvQ5gY5_Y/s1600/IMG_6151.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aqU1WMwQDVc/VTNAM9BNkCI/AAAAAAAADBU/lmJjACPQFzg/s1600/IMG_6152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aqU1WMwQDVc/VTNAM9BNkCI/AAAAAAAADBU/lmJjACPQFzg/s1600/IMG_6152.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Well I have neglected the housework all day trying to make a toad so I had better get some washing folded and put away and get my daughter ready for school tomorrow - she has just been on school holidays for two weeks and spent the last week away staying with family.</div>
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Update:</div>
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Well, the intention was there but my husband and daughter have just advised we are going to watch a movie - oh well, the housework will still be there tomorrow!</div>
12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-36700253925944596502015-04-08T22:24:00.001+12:002015-04-08T22:24:38.063+12:00Easter Break Comes To An End<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well my extended Easter break has come to an end. Back to work tomorrow. It is currently 10.00pm on Wednesday 8 April. However, before I head to bed I thought I'd just give you a quick update on what I have achieved since my last post.</div>
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In between housework, spending time with my daughter and other every-day necessities I have managed to do a list of some things I want to try to make for the Toad Stall project. I don't have a lot to show for it yet but below you will find a little trial stool made in the form of a toadstool which is a footstall for the bigger woodland creatures or a seat for the smaller ones, a Del-Prado chair with its seat cover removed (I am going to use the chair as a planter), some fabric which I have painted 'swamp green' that I am going to use to make some bunting from with little pictures of toadstools painted on them and the start of some fimo fungi. I won't cook them yet until I have made some more. Not much to show, but it is a start.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFdLyHfXMVI/VST8OE-lHVI/AAAAAAAAC_U/svmRt7UhFHg/s1600/IMG_6139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFdLyHfXMVI/VST8OE-lHVI/AAAAAAAAC_U/svmRt7UhFHg/s1600/IMG_6139.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Don't forget my giveaway - link at the top right of this page. I am enjoying watching the names roll in.</div>
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Now I want to jump to another project, my bookshelf project. This project has been waiting for me to make up a lot of Paper-Mini book kits - perhaps after the Toad Stall project! While I am trying not to buy any miniatures because of my current financial situation I couldn't resist buying two little books when I saw them on a local auction site. They are The Secret Garden and A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. My Mum loved The Secret Garden as a child and as an adult she enjoyed watching the movie. We had both also recently read A Little Princess not long before she died. The books have blank pages inside but are lovely quality and came from <a href="http://treefeathers.com/">TreeFeathers</a>. The books have found their way onto my bookshelf as have a few books that came from Mum's place and a few I found when I was sorting through my miniatures recently.</div>
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Still lots of shelf space to fill.<br />
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Well I had better sign off and get to bed. It will be hard enough getting up to go to work tomorrow morning after having a few days off without having a really late night. It is already 10.20pm.12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-29417251067499153452015-04-06T11:11:00.000+12:002015-04-06T12:28:15.767+12:00Toad Stall, Fly Agarics and GIVEAWAY!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi all. I know I did a post yesterday but I told you I was excited about this project.</div>
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Last night I did a cardboard mock-up of Toad Stall. I won't build the real Toad Stall until I have a feel for whether this size is going to be big enough for everything I come up with for the stall. I also have to decide whether I will add some landscaping around it. I will probably raise it off the ground and add a few steps to start with. In the meantime as I work through this project you will just have to imagine this mock-up is a rustic shambolic dilapidated cabin in a woodland environment! Of course I have no idea how I am going to create that look yet - luckily we live these days with a thing called the internet and I am hoping I will find a lot of handy tutorials on-line.</div>
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Birgit of <a href="http://biwubaer.blogspot.co.nz/">Bi Wu Baren on the Blog</a> made a comment on yesterday's blog post saying "Don't forget about fly agarics!" Do you know what fly agarics are? I didn't. Once again I am thankful for the internet which informs me that "Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric is... the quintessential toadstool...large white-gilled, white-spotted, usually red mushroom, one of the most recognisable and widely encountered in popular culture". Thanks Birgit - I love learning new things.</div>
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Birgit also commented with reference to 'Toad' - he must have a name! That I had already thought of. I had decided I would open it up for my blog readers to give Toad a name. While Toad has not been created yet I think it would be nice for him to own a name when he arrives. He will be a dressed character toad so put your thinking caps on and give poor Toad a name.</div>
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The person who submits the name I choose will be able to choose from some of the items for sale at Toad's stall - I promise there will be some goodies to choose from before <strong>closing date of 8.00 am Sunday 3 May (New Zealand time)</strong>. Hopefully I will also reveal Toad on that date.</div>
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Conditions of the Giveaway are to be a follower of my blog and to just have fun with your imaginations!</div>
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Just as a teaser of what may be available to choose from, some of the things I have in mind are: toadstool planters such as the one pictured below; jars of honey and swamp-water ale; fungi bouquets; woodland wreaths, pictures, mobiles, little shadow-boxes with fungi set in them, baking and all sorts of 'found' containers and items planted with fungi and other woodland finds.</div>
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I look forward to hearing any name or names you suggest for Toad and any ideas you have for items for the stall.</div>
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Enjoy the rest of your Easter weekend everyone. I'm off to make some fungi!</div>
12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-87395178430164951062015-04-05T13:51:00.001+12:002015-04-05T13:57:53.698+12:00Toad Stall<span lang=""></span><div align="JUSTIFY">
<span lang="">At last I feel excited about a project. The seeds of this excitement were sewn when I won the wonderful hutch from Jane. I had a desire to make a small project to house it in. Shortly after I made my first little container of fungi with snails which I really enjoyed doing. I kept mulling over ideas but I couldn't get anything to really gel. I had visions of an abandoned house but while I had plenty of ideas and knew the hutch would work well in that sort of project I just couldn't quite ignite that burst of motivation and creativity I knew lurked in my hidden depths.</span></div>
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I casually mentioned this to my husband one day and he suggested I do a stall - a toad stall - i.e. a toad selling toadstools from a stall. My imagination was sparked. I loved the play on words.</div>
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I've spent a bit of time on Pinterest gathering ideas and setting up an ideas board for the project (I love Pinterest!). I thought about working on the project and then sharing it with everyone but I couldn't wait. I just wanted to get it out there to my blog friends and share my excitement. I still have to make the toad, I still have to make the rickety porch of an abandoned cabin and all the toadstools and fungi and the things toad will make with them for his stall. However, I am excited and looking forward to making a start on the project. I just hope I can create what is in my mind's eye.</div>
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So at this stage I don't have anything new to show but I will share the little back-story I have come up with. I have the next three days off so perhaps I may have something to show soon.</div>
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I have lots of ideas buzzing around in my head but I'd love to hear ideas from my lovely creative blog friends too. </div>
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Toad Stall</div>
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Toad, a kindly and creative woodland toad, stumbled across the abandoned cabin while playing hide and seek with his woodland friends. "This is it" he cried in an unusually high pitched croak. His friends stopped. They immediately knew what he meant. Toad, who had a passion for growing toadstools and fungi and making things from them, had long wanted to set up a stall. Toad had no interest in the cabin itself, it was the dilapidated porch that caught his attention. However, Toad and his friends ventured into the cabin. Toad started jumping up and down even more excited. He couldn't believe his luck. There was still some old furniture and bits and pieces in the cabin he could use for creating items for his stall and he was especially excited to see an old weathered hutch complete with one or two fungi and some broken crockery. Finding old pieces of crockery and other items left by settlers who had abandoned their homes was another of Toad's loves. He could never understand why the people didn't stay in such a lovely environment after the local mine ran dry - there was even a lovely swamp where he had set up his home. His friends smiled to themselves as Toad sat on the porch muttering plans to himself and they vowed to help Toad see his dream come true. Apart from anything else they knew Toad would reward them with some of his famous honey and swamp water ale with just a pinch of juiced toadstool added for good measure.</div>
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WATCH THIS SPACE!</div>
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Hutch by Jane of Minifanaticus</div>
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My first attempt at fungi and snails</div>
12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-55522907927542947512015-04-03T20:44:00.001+13:002015-04-03T20:44:46.404+13:00Happy EasterHi my friends. Just a quick post to wish you all a lovely Easter weekend. I don't have anything new to show you but I do have a few days off over the Easter break and I hope to get some miniatures done. I have a little project in mind.<br />
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I've been feeling a bit weighed down by life recently and it has zapped my creative energy but I can slowly feel it coming back. Hopefully in a few days I will have something new to add to my blog.<br />
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In the meantime I will share last year's project with you again.<br />
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It all started when Mrs Rabbit decided they should do an Easter Egg Hunt to keep their large family entertained on Easter morning.</div>
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Here is Mrs Rabbit wrapping the last of the Easter eggs.</div>
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She then dragged Mr Rabbit out into the yard to hide the eggs. They even tucked a few up by the bird house for their feathered friends. I'm sure the little mouse will be successful in finding one too.</div>
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It is now 8.40pm on Good Friday here in New Zealand and we spent the day with family in our home town an hour away from where we live now. For the rest of the Easter weekend we will just relax at home.<br />
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Happy Easter everyone. I hope you all have a lovely Easter with family and friends and can have a bit of time to just relax and enjoy the things you love doing.<br />
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12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-65659155112331185802015-03-08T11:21:00.000+13:002015-03-08T11:23:27.403+13:00It Was Supposed to Be a Pretty Flower Planter!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Birgit from <a href="http://biwubaer.blogspot.co.nz/">BiWuBaren</a> left a comment on my previous blog post this morning which included the words:</div>
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"<em>And now I foresee an extraordinary increase of the miniature snail population in New Zealand</em>...".</div>
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I had to have a little chuckle to myself as indeed yesterday some little snails did take up residence in my craft room and I am sure there will be more to come. Once again thank you <a href="http://minifanaticus.blogspot.co.nz/2015/02/minifanaticus-hutchessssssss-giveaway.html">Jane</a> for the idea and inspiration.</div>
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Yesterday I decided to honour a challenge made by my friend Susan and create a flower arrangement. I decided to do an outdoor planter with some flowers - at least that was the direction I was heading in when I started out. This is what I ended up creating:</div>
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I am sorry it is not the best picture. It is very dark gloomy weather here at the moment. We had a good thunder and lightning storm last night.</div>
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I made two other little planters at the same time so hopefully some flowers might find their way into those today.12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-69655281866396939542015-03-02T21:41:00.001+13:002015-03-02T21:41:22.769+13:00The Hutch<div style="text-align: justify;">
It has arrived. I was expecting to have to wait at least a couple of weeks for the hutch to travel all the way from the USA to New Zealand but within a few days it has arrived. Exciting!</div>
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For those who haven't caught up with the news I won a Minifanaticus giveaway - see details of the giveaway here.</div>
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<a href="http://minifanaticus.blogspot.co.nz/2015/01/minifanaticus-theme-hutch-giveaway.html">http://minifanaticus.blogspot.co.nz/2015/01/minifanaticus-theme-hutch-giveaway.html</a></div>
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My response to Jane's giveaway question was:</div>
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"... I would love to see it (the hutch) as a wood colour rustic hutch to go in an abandoned house that has been taken over by creatures, whether they be fantasy or mice and birds, perhaps the odd broken cup and saucer plate, old jar of preserves, etc. Maybe some fall leaves that have come through a hole in the roof. ... I would have fun creating a little scene to place it in."</div>
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I was blown away when I found out I had won the hutch and when I saw photos of the completed hutch on Jane's blog. I was even more in awe of Jane's work when I opened the parcel this afternoon and saw it for real. It is fabulous and also came with some extras.</div>
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This is what I found in the parcel:</div>
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The contents of the parcel.</div>
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Isn't the hutch just fabulous - wonderful detail. There are mice, butterflies, snails, fungi, moss and plants, broken dishes just as I had imagined and wonderful autumn leaves. The mice are even flocked.</div>
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The extras included were:</div>
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Beads and jewellery findings.</div>
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Flower soft and green flocking.</div>
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Some greenery and flowers.</div>
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Some fun Halloween and Christmas embellishments.</div>
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Some gorgeous ribbons.</div>
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Some stickers and decals.</div>
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Components for creating leaves, flowers and butterflies similar to those on the hutch.</div>
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The card from Jane.</div>
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Jane would have to be one of the most encouraging, caring and sharing miniaturists I have come across. You really must have a look on her blog site. I have to say I love her fun slightly quirky creative ideas.</div>
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It was great to have a real good look at the hutch and see how Jane had made things. I was excited when I saw the cute little snails as I have recently been given the below bag of tiny shells by my friend Susan and I can't wait to have a go at making some little snails using some of the shells.</div>
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Of course now the challenge is on. I have to create a little scene to house the hutch in. Thanks Jane for a great dose of inspiration and motivation.</div>
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12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-20416003266524937042015-02-27T22:00:00.001+13:002015-02-27T22:01:49.886+13:00AmeriCARna 2015<div style="text-align: justify;">
AmeriCARna passed through our town again today. About 600+ American cars or American themed cars such as hot rods drove into our town about 1.00 pm today to display their cars and take part in various events. I popped my head out of work briefly and saw a few of the first cars drive into the town centre. They stayed until close to 5.00 pm when they started heading off for their next venue. My daughter Jamie and I walked to the round-about down the road from us that exits onto the Highway and took turns at taking photos. I really enjoyed the quality time we shared taking photos together.</div>
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Here are just a few of those photos. Sorry to those who are not into cars. I have to admit I am not a car enthusiast but I enjoy watching the cars leaving amidst toots, oogahs, flags fluttering, people waving and the enthusiasm of the participants and the onlookers.</div>
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I've decided I'm rather fond of the good old Ford pick-up trucks.<br />
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This is a link to the AmeriCARna site:<br />
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<a href="http://www.americarna.com/About/">http://www.americarna.com/About/</a><br />
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This is a link to the video on my blog that I put together after the 2014 AmeriCARna:<br />
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<a href="http://myrtlemanorminiatures.blogspot.com/2014/03/americarna-2014-part-2-video.html">http://myrtlemanorminiatures.blogspot.com/2014/03/americarna-2014-part-2-video.html</a><br />
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I have a fairly busy weekend with a family event and Jamie has a dance session both Saturday and Sunday to learn a new competition dance but hopefully I might find a little time on Sunday to do some minis. <br />
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Have a good weekend everyone. Of course it is already late Friday night here in New Zealand whereas some of you are a day behind - your weekend is coming though. Enjoy it.12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-30586867115388416582015-02-22T22:41:00.002+13:002015-02-22T22:41:45.111+13:00My Weekend<div style="text-align: justify;">
Woke up Saturday morning feeling a bit down with all the stresses we are facing at the moment. I've had to have a real think about my hobby with our current financial situation and have made the decision to sell a lot of my vintage miniatures. The good thing is I will now focus on making miniatures. Anyway, I picked up my laptop to check my emails, blogs etc and soon had a smile on my face. Look here to see why:</div>
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<a href="http://minifanaticus.blogspot.co.nz/2015/02/minifanaticus-hutchessssssss-giveaway.html">http://minifanaticus.blogspot.co.nz/2015/02/minifanaticus-hutchessssssss-giveaway.html</a></div>
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Yes, I am one of the lucky winners of a giveaway from Jane of Minifanaticus. The hutch she has made far exceeds the vision I had in my mind's eye when I put the idea in her blog comments section of her giveaway post. I will put some pictures on my blog when it arrives. I spent quite a bit of time after reading of my win looking at images on Pinterest planning out a little scene to house the hutch in. That will be my next little project.</div>
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Talking of projects I did do a bit more to the Upcycling Project as you can see below but my heart just isn't in that project at the moment so it will go on hold until I'm ready to carry on with it. It didn't help that after I had done all the grass area a box fell on it and took half the grass off and flattened some plants!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5EjulpmiE18/VOmeISTwNTI/AAAAAAAACwU/bZz2eCXWvJs/s1600/IMG_5443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5EjulpmiE18/VOmeISTwNTI/AAAAAAAACwU/bZz2eCXWvJs/s1600/IMG_5443.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Sorry, I didn't realise what a bad photo this was until I loaded it. I have added some large plants at the back to give the effect of it being a little environment within a full sized garden, a cork with beer bottle top for a table and two golf tees for seats, some game counters for stepping stones and the frame of a pocket watch which will become a fish pond. I will get back to this when I have learnt a bit more about making flowers. My daughter won't let me away with not finishing this project as she loves it.</div>
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Talking of making flowers I had a lovely afternoon last Sunday with the only other miniaturist that I know of in my town. Susan and I decided to meet and have a go at making flowers. The truth is we mostly talked and used our punches to punch out flower parts. We didn't actually produce any flowers on the day. So saying it was a fabulous afternoon and we set ourselves a challenge to produce some flowers before we next meet.</div>
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Therefore today I thought I had better try and make some flowers. After a lot of failed attempts I did produce two delphiniums and one tiny rose that I was reasonably happy with. I then decided I'd better create something to put them in. While our challenge was to make a flower arrangement I chose to create a trug to place my flowers in.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8z2hVWBeObw/VOmhLaU0ahI/AAAAAAAACwg/Mzr8Dw5oxxs/s1600/IMG_5484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8z2hVWBeObw/VOmhLaU0ahI/AAAAAAAACwg/Mzr8Dw5oxxs/s1600/IMG_5484.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also produced a little jug which I filled with some little flowers I made a few weeks ago. I'm not very happy with either the jug or the flowers but there is potential in both with a bit more work.</div>
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Anyway I'd better go as it is way passed when I should have gone to bed but I was determined to get a blog post done this weekend. Busy with family commitments and Dance Mum commitments next weekend. Hopefully might find a little time next Sunday afternoon to do some minis.</div>
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Hope everyone has had a great weekend. Happy creating.</div>
12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-60703892987078543772015-02-06T17:05:00.000+13:002015-02-06T17:05:36.108+13:00Christmas Swaps<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know it is February but it is only now that I can post photos of the gifts I sent my two Christmas Chain Swap partners. Fabiola and Drora. Unfortunately due to losing my Mum in early December and then with my husband's Dad having a major stroke two days later I was a bit late posting them. I posted them before Christmas but Fabiola has only just received hers a few days ago.</div>
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I did a post on the lovely swap gifts I received from Fabiola and Drora here:</div>
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<a href="http://myrtlemanorminiatures.blogspot.co.nz/2015/01/back-to-work-tomorrow.html">http://myrtlemanorminiatures.blogspot.co.nz/2015/01/back-to-work-tomorrow.html</a></div>
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From Fabiola I received:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wTuI4Q0C4I8/VNQ3tSD5bLI/AAAAAAAACvM/oGNi4UvdBnM/s1600/_MG_7924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wTuI4Q0C4I8/VNQ3tSD5bLI/AAAAAAAACvM/oGNi4UvdBnM/s1600/_MG_7924.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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and from Drora I received:<br />
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Below are photos of the swap parcels I sent Fabiola and Drora:</div>
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for Fabiola</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2xZtvUIv8A/VNQu6Ug_UwI/AAAAAAAACu0/Wpjg4en7N7g/s1600/_MG_7908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2xZtvUIv8A/VNQu6Ug_UwI/AAAAAAAACu0/Wpjg4en7N7g/s1600/_MG_7908.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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for Drora</div>
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Just looking at these photos I took it has become obvious to me that I failed to put a little glass jug in with Fabiola's gift. Sorry Faby, it was certainly my intention to do so. I somehow must have overlooked it in my rush to get the parcels posted.</div>
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Adding to the delay in getting the parcels posted was my rush to get the little paper chains finished. Each link of the chain is made with little pieces of quilling paper 1/8 inch x 3/4 inch. I think they look effective and I enjoyed making them but they are fiddly and time consuming to make.</div>
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The Christmas stockings and the teddy bear are buttons, the vase of flowers is a bead with some paper scrapbooking roses in it and the angel and fancy cake plate and cake tongs are made from jewellery findings.</div>
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This is a close up of a cake plate and angel so you can see better the findings I used:</div>
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I do prefer a solid bead for the head as in the ones I used for the swap gifts.</div>
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I enjoy playing around with beads and jewellery findings to see what I can come up with - enjoyable play time.</div>
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Thank you to Fabiola for organising the swap. It is always lovely to receive miniatures from fellow miniaturists from around the world.</div>
12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-44078834004271047392015-02-01T18:03:00.000+13:002015-02-01T18:03:17.572+13:00Fantasy Upcycling and MoreI spent a bit of time this weekend in my craft room. I had good company... the cats decided it was a bit wet outside today.<br />
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Dash has a new hiding place.</div>
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Squiggle likes to keep an eye on what I am doing.</div>
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You may recall amongst the lovely swap gifts I received from Drora this Christmas I got a little rubber boy - see below:</div>
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The upcycling residents of the briefcase have transformed him into a plant holder for their garden:<br />
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I also played around with some spare wood scraps and made a little hall mirror and shelf, shown here in the study of The Laurels:<br />
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Well that is it for today. Hope everyone is having a great weekend.12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-26506696120329400722015-01-24T22:38:00.000+13:002015-02-01T18:03:45.980+13:00Fantasy Upcycling<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm creating a little patch of fantasy where the residents are into 'fantasy upcycling'. My husband came up with that title for this project. I decided I wanted to keep on with experimenting with polymer clay today, especially after seeing Jane's recent inspirational post on her creations:</div>
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<a href="http://minifanaticus.blogspot.co.nz/2015/01/etsy-miniatures-and-time-management.html">http://minifanaticus.blogspot.co.nz/2015/01/etsy-miniatures-and-time-management.html</a></div>
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Then I saw the lid of a little box and for some reason I thought 'briefcase'.</div>
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By the end of the day I had made a start on a mini project to get me back into miniatures for 2015.</div>
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For your viewing, the briefcase residence:</div>
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I will be able to put a bulb inside this so it will glow at night but it will really just be a background piece in a little scene. I will find a few other items that the residents have upcycled to create items for their garden, e.g. a thimble as a plant pot etc. I want to have a go at making plants, flowers, toadstools, fungi etc to create a little fantasy woodland or garden scene. </div>
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I don't yet know who the upcycling residents are or what I will even put the scene on or in. Any ideas would be welcomed. I am thinking it will only be a fairly small project.</div>
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It is not really to a specific scale, it is fantasy afterall. The briefcase is approximately 11.5cm x 13.5cm. The briefcase is made from the lid of a box and a piece of cardboard covered with a piece of old roller blind. The door, window, chimney and handle are polymer clay and the lock is part of a metal hinge. I will probably touch up the leaves with a bit of paint. I'm not that happy with them - still it is all part of learning a new skill.</div>
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After seeing Jane's wonderful work I am even more determined to master working with polymer clay.</div>
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I hope you are all having a good weekend. I can't do any miniatures tomorrow as I have family commitments but I am looking forward to continuing with this project as and when I can during the week.</div>
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Will keep you posted as to progress.</div>
12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-92222132486894501402015-01-13T20:22:00.000+13:002015-01-13T20:23:15.027+13:00Back to Work Tomorrow!<div style="text-align: justify;">
My Christmas break is over. A lot of it has gone towards attending to family matters but I did do a little bit of playing with minis.</div>
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The most exciting mini-related thing though is receiving two wonderful Christmas swaps from fellow miniaturists. I participated in Fabiola's 2014 Christmas Chain Swap and my swap partners were <a href="http://fabiolamiominimondo.blogspot.co.nz/">Fabiola</a> and <a href="http://drorasminimundo.blogspot.co.nz/">Drora</a>.</div>
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Unfortunately I was late sending my gifts to my swap partners due to unexpected family matters and I thank them for their understanding. I cannot post photos of what I sent them yet until I know they have arrived safely.</div>
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From Fabiola I received the most delightful kitchen set in a blue checked fabric - apron with spoon (with 'S' embroidered on the pocket), bread bag, pot holder and cloth. Also enclosed was a delightful 'Home Sweet Home' picture.</div>
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From Drora I received a lovely little toy shelf, rubber doll (which I will create a garden ornament with), a cute little water dispenser which has a light in it, some beautiful flowers and a dainty little shell trinket box.</div>
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I just adore the tiny shell trinket box. Inspired I even went to the beach the other day hoping to find some small shells to make a shell mirror frame but unfortunately I couldn't find many small shells at our beach, only lots of broken bits of larger shells. The trinket box is currently sitting on a vintage Japanese dresser in my vintage house The Laurels.</div>
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The lovely flowers from Drora have found their way into a vintage vase in The Laurels.</div>
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I was away with my sisters last weekend and when I got home my husband and daughter had moved my craftroom to the biggest brightest room in the house so I can have most of my houses and miniature related items in one place and a good space to do my miniatures in - a lovely surprise. My daughter has voluntarily moved into the smallest bedroom in the house. They are both keen that I spend more time doing my hobby. It also means my daughter Jamie has space in the craft room to do things if she wants to join me.</div>
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Before I went away I reviewed some of the houses in my collection. The Victorian kitchen in the Del Prado house has been moved into my vintage house, The Laurels. What I had made for the Del Prado has been mixed with my vintage kitchen miniatures. I still need to get some flooring and paper for the room.</div>
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The cook is making use of the lovely swap gifts from Fabiola.<br />
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My Del Prado house will now become a more modern house and will house the furniture my Dad made. I am thinking that rather than adding the room on the top left of the house I will instead create a roof-top garden/entertaining area. It will be a basic house with a kitchen, living room, parent's room, girl's room and boy's room. That way I can use a mix of girls and boys toys in the house.</div>
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Now for my attempts at polymer clay. </div>
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Most of my first attempts at making items from polymer clay went in the bin, but eventually I started having a little success. </div>
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First I made these two plates from a mould I made using 'Mold Maker'. The flower pattern is from an old button.</div>
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Then I made some strawberry roll cakes loosely based on a tutorial on You Tube by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKbJ_LG8k6o">Sugar Charm Shop</a>. I cannot take credit for the lovely strawberries and kiwifruit. These were cut from canes I won via a giveaway from Lisa at <a href="http://miniaddictions.blogspot.co.nz/">Mini Addictions</a> which included some polymer clay and related items. I don't think I am quite ready for canes yet but I am definitely going to give them a try.</div>
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Today I made the little plates the cakes are on and the candle holders and candles. The plates were my own design.The candle holders were based loosely on a tutorial in the book Making Dolls House Miniatures with Polymer Clay by Sue Heaser. </div>
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I have a long way to go with polymer clay but I am determined to persevere as the possibilities are endless.</div>
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Well back to work tomorrow but I am going to try to get in my craft room some evenings from now on so my hobby isn't just contained within one or two hours each weekend. Hopefully I have something else to show you very soon.</div>
12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-48974881267305418792015-01-07T10:31:00.000+13:002015-01-07T10:31:44.414+13:00Awaiting Moderation ToolThis morning I received a lovely comment from <a href="http://www.plushpussycat.com/">Plushpussycat</a> saying "<em>Happy new year, Sharee! I look forward to more fun with you in 2015! xo Jennifer</em>". Unfortunately while using the little screen on my phone I hit 'delete' instead of 'publish' and deleted her message. I felt terrible.<br />
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Jennifer I so look forward to following your wonderful blog through 2015 and those of our other blog friends. <br />
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For the first time in my four years of blogging I have had to resort to using the 'Awaiting Moderation' tool because there is a persistent spammer that keeps trying to post nonsense on my blog - 13 attempts on different blog posts the other day. I had to go to each post and delete the messages. It isn't even advertising it is just nonsense. Someone has too much time on their hands! Eventually I had to resort to using the 'Awaiting Moderation' tool to have some control over the situation.<br />
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I am trying to get to grips with using polymer clay - that is the first task I have set myself in learning new skills and improving my existing skills for miniatures. There are so many possibilities with polymer clay and I really admire the work of other miniaturists in their creative use of polymer clay. So far I have a lot of failed experiments in the bin but I am learning and hopefully will have something to show you soon. I have just bought myself some new polymer clay with some Christmas money I was given and this has made a big difference. What I had before was a mix of clays and they were very old. I have bought some colours from the Du-kit range which is a New Zealand product.<br />
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I hope everyone has enjoyed their holiday break and has had a bit of creative time.12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-80686520142952987052015-01-01T11:33:00.000+13:002015-01-01T11:33:03.642+13:00Happy New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fn1wyzx-mWc/VKR2tYf7noI/AAAAAAAACqI/Kx3f7wDlCh8/s1600/Marlon%2BNew%2BYear%2BPuzzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fn1wyzx-mWc/VKR2tYf7noI/AAAAAAAACqI/Kx3f7wDlCh8/s1600/Marlon%2BNew%2BYear%2BPuzzle.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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Marlon once again wishes everyone a Happy New Year!</div>
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I have to say that 2014 wasn't a great year for us and I venture into 2015 with hope!</div>
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I didn't have time to set up a little New Year scene this year so I have reposted last year's scene again, besides Marlon really does want to wish everyone a Happy New Year.</div>
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Marlon enters 2015 with hope too - hope that I will finally build him his own little residence.</div>
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It is 1 January here in New Zealand and I have decided to have a day of reflecting and deciding on what I would like to achieve in 2015. With regards to miniatures I really want to be more focused and improve on the skills and knowledge I have - to give things a go, do fellow miniaturists tutorials, try new techniques, experiment with some ideas that I have, look for inspiration, find out what I really enjoy and strive for a higher level of craftsmanship.</div>
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I also really want to focus on doing things I enjoy. </div>
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I'll let you know what I come up with after my day of reflection. </div>
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In the meantime, best wishes to everyone for a happy and creative 2015.</div>
12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-28407175459370307452014-12-22T20:57:00.000+13:002014-12-22T20:57:07.444+13:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Edward the Elf, his companion dog Prince and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy and creative 2015.</span></div>
12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-32644627513411855242014-12-14T20:38:00.000+13:002014-12-14T20:38:04.725+13:00Mum's Minis<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm finally back home and will start work again tomorrow. I miss my sisters already. It has been lovely spending time with them despite the circumstances. Mum's funeral on Wednesday was a lovely celebration of her life. </div>
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Because all four of us girls were together in Mum's home town we decided to start sorting through Mum's things. I bought home her miniatures. In the 1990s Mum and I both did miniatures. Mum hadn't done any since then but she had kept some items in case she got back into it.</div>
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There was a selection of knitted, crocheted and embroidered items and some doilies. The little yellow piece in the centre is my one and only attempt at miniature knitting. Mum made the lovely little bedspread in the top right hand corner. Unfortunately some of these items have age spots so I will have to see if I can do something about that.</div>
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There were some dolls:<br />
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Some animals:<br />
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A few pieces of furniture:<br />
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Some 1/4 inch scale items. I think I will enjoy experimenting with some 1/4 scale miniature scenes.<br />
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These are a few of the miniature accessories and some crystal pieces:<br />
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This bride and groom was a cake topper I used when I made and decorated a 40th wedding anniversary cake for Mum and Dad in 1988. They are the perfect size for the vintage cardboard church I have which was a vintage game piece.</div>
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This is an exquisite pop up card which one of my sisters gave Mum a few years ago. I want to eventually try to create a miniature scene around it.</div>
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The miniature fimo items were made by a lady who used to do miniature fimo items in the 1990s who has since sadly passed away. I am pleased to be able to add more of her items to my miniature collection. Three of her cats are also included in the animal photo above.</div>
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I found a few little gold angels and some little soldiers to add to my Christmas scene:<br />
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I now have a cook for my Victorian nursery. Unfortunately she has her work cut out for her. It seems that while I was away over the last few weeks one of the kittens must have ventured into my dolls house and has raided the kitchen shelves!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ga4i912s0L4/VI0002XW_cI/AAAAAAAACns/AbwofxeGjCM/s1600/_MG_7891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ga4i912s0L4/VI0002XW_cI/AAAAAAAACns/AbwofxeGjCM/s1600/_MG_7891.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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This lovely cross stitch was made by my friend Lyn for Mum some years ago. It will look lovely amongst my dolls houses.</div>
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I made the bear in the picture below, Lachie, for my Dad when he was very ill with cancer approximately 17 years ago. The doll is one I made for Mum. They have both come back home to live with me.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oM2FusZlVGo/VI00-dSpJeI/AAAAAAAACoE/yWv3LR_f-hI/s1600/_MG_7896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oM2FusZlVGo/VI00-dSpJeI/AAAAAAAACoE/yWv3LR_f-hI/s1600/_MG_7896.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also brought home some other miniature accessories, ribbons, laces, braids, beads, cottons and embroidery fabric, etc.</div>
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I think I will need to have another sort out of my craft room!<br />
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I've made a start today on items for my Christmas swap. I will hopefully get the parcels posted by the end of the week. Unfortunately it will be too late to reach swap participants before Christmas. Once again I apologise.12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-42515363309871331922014-12-10T08:36:00.000+13:002014-12-10T08:36:22.017+13:00AbsentI have been absent from my blog again and I also find once again I am weeks behind with reading all of your blogs.<br />
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Sadly my mother passed away on Friday night after a fairly short illness and I have been away from my home and computer for most of the last two or three weeks. Add to that my husband's father had a severe stroke on Sunday night and we are working through the implications of this and supporting his mother who also lives out of town.<br />
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I have to say it has not been a great year for us.<br />
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To my Christmas Swap partners I will be back home this weekend and I will get your swap gifts finished and posted. I really apologise that your gifts are likely to arrive a little late for Christmas but these were unexpected circumstances. <br />
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My Mum was also a miniaturist back in the 1990s and had some lovely miniatures tucked away which I have inherited. I look forward to showing you some of these in future posts.12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700495780551372004.post-18206459725157309582014-11-16T18:49:00.000+13:002014-11-16T18:49:47.210+13:00A Meeting of Like Minds<div style="text-align: justify;">
First of all I have started a gingerbread house - hopefully this will look something like a gingerbread house next time you see it. We will see!</div>
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Today I went to the home of a fellow miniaturist one hour from where I live. The lady Maureen and her friend Marilyn recently held a miniatures display to see if there were people in the region interested in get-togethers to do miniatures. Regrettably I was unable to go to that but they got a huge number of people through their display and quite a lot of interest was shown. Today there was a gathering of eight of us. We discussed what we would like to do for future meetings and did a little workshop making fimo breads. We were also given a little kit for a bread tray to make at home.</div>
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We all just did our own thing as far as breads were concerned so each of our bread displays would look so different. I put mine together at home and here is the result - all ready to take to a farmers market:</div>
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I added a sign saying 'Artisan Breads' because some of my breads are a little creative - you probably wouldn't find them in a real bread shop. </div>
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Maureen also had a cute little mold for making little mice so we all went home with mice as well. </div>
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Thanks ladies for hosting the meeting and for the workshop. It was great to meet you both and the other attendees. I look forward to attending future meetings.</div>
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I hope everyone is having a great weekend - mine is just about over - it is nearly 7.00pm on Sunday evening in New Zealand. See you next time.</div>
12Createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12866346231581607726noreply@blogger.com15