LIZELUND

Another portal

2010-12-31T15:29:00.006+03:00

Once again, we are crossing another gateway.

We are leaving the year 2010, and the first decade of the new millennium, behind.
A new year beckons us, and at the entrance,
Janus is standing guard.

He is facing the past, and he is facing the future.

To understand the future better, we look to the past too,

and also, in memory, to remember what we have lost or left behind.

But may we look back, not too often, causing us to stumble.

May the year 2011 hold many new experiences,

and may you be able to face them all with enthusiasm.

I WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Changing the world into miniature...

One thing at a time.

The face that launched a Night in Venice....

2010-12-28T14:47:00.014+03:00

Sometimes, inspiration comes in small packages!

Last year, I received a charming little Venetian Mask as a present,

and an idea started to grow...

Wouldn't it be nice to have a Party in Venice?

Perhaps not the real Venice...

but our own version...

Planning started...

and invitations went out.

Now normally, 'feeding and watering' ideas too much, they start to take over,

and this one really started to grow out of the pot.. and eventually, right out of my budget!

There was just no way that I could build the Rialto bridge!

(Or any of the other bridges for that matter.)

Not to mention beg, borrow or steal a few gondolas...

But we were determined to have at least something resembling a bridge...

and a few gondolas...

To the left of the vase, red Arabic couches are visible.

They form part of an outdoor theater.

Many of the decorations, which were bought for previous parties,

are re-used, but in a different way...

At the end of the pool you can see my inexpensive imitation Venetian bridge.

Really gaudy, but I needed the 'Canal' to visually end there.

Night has, thank goodness, a way of casting its spell over all.

And darkness can hide a great many flaws...

It can also turn the mediocre into magical!

Ordinary glasses reflecting light...

Sparkle...

Glitter and glow...

Cups ready for tea, cuppuccino and espresso...

Now all we need are the guests!

Even the bridge, visible at the far end of the pool,

is not too frightening at night time...

And the three old and battered canoes, not quite gondolas,

but at least adding to the atmosphere...

Two of our pretty, young guests pretending to be gondoliers!

Did I hear murmurs of who Seiji Ozawa is?

He is a very entertaining, brilliant and adorable Japanese Conductor.

Below, our guests are watching him conduct the Berliner Philharmonicer perform Gerswin.
(Very Jazzy Music)

(Gerswin composed 'An American in Paris')

The recording was done in the Waldbuhne (Germany) Theater.

Every New Year, they have an open air concert.

I can really recommend any of their high quality recordings,
and Seiji Ozawa is bound to entertain even those least interested in 'not-so-modern' music.

After dessert, coffee, and several long discussions following the performance,

all that was left was to sign the guest book
and wave goodbye...

Yes, all things come to an end... and the more enjoyable things end even quicker.

Which is in fact a good thing,

because after too much partying, this is what you start seeing:

Or perhaps I should just mount my camera on the tri-pod!

And also, being YET ANOTHER YEAR OLDER,
I needed a good nights sleep.
Especially after all the hard work!

BTW. Did you misplace your invitation?
We really missed you!
Well, never mind, I'll invite you again next year!

Now where can we go next...

Any suggestions?

Oh, and last but not least
A very happy 2011 to you and your loved ones!

I'm dreaming...

2010-12-19T17:14:00.002+03:00

Can you believe...
It is that time of the year again...

BUT FIRST:
Would you like to listen to Nat King Cole: 'Chestnuts Roasting on an open fire'?

chestnuts roasting on an open fire mp3s
Download Free mp3s

Or
Do you prefer Frank Sinatra's 'Have yourself a merry little Christmas'?
(Just click on play...)

have yourself a merry little christmas mp3s
Free Mp3 files

Only a few days left...

Have you done all your shopping...
Or are you planning to join the last minute rush, late Christmas Eve, for a few more gifts?

Are you ready to welcome your guests at your house?

Can you smell the

Eggnog, pine and cinnamon?

Is there a warm fire going?

With Christmas cards all lined up...

Candy cane waiting for the children, ...
And of course for grown-ups too!

Outside, snowflakes are glistening...

and snow bells are ringing

And Carolers sing cheerfully about mistletoe and holly,
and Santa on his sleigh...

So, wherever you are...

May you find, under your tree,

Peace and Happiness...

Enough to last you this coming year.

And I wish you and yours

A Merry Little Christmas too

And perhaps I'll see you in the New Year?

...It's a small world after all!

Changing the world into miniature...

One thing at a time!

Time for a MINI-break!

2010-04-19T22:50:00.013+03:00

Halikum Salaam!

Welcome, welcome!

To make it easier for you to get around, we have put up plenty of signs.

We hope you find it helpful

Mahmoud here has been waiting at the ~~BUS~~ Camel STOP for three days

UPDATE: The service is unfortunately not very reliable!
After waiting for five days, Mahmoud had to give up...

We have also included this photograph of SOME of the people that will make your stay more comfortable ...
and of course to enable you to recognize them.

From left to right, your tour guide, her mother (protector of virtue) , the tour organizer,
your translator and her mother.

You will be requested to wear the abaya, but you are not obliged to wear the hijab.

You are discouraged to wear a 'fake tan' like Ms Hilton here...
for obvious reasons.

Of course, what you wear under your abaya, is none of our business.....

We have developed 2 very different Holiday Packages to cater for your pocket.
And with the current value of the Saudi Riyal, you'll get excellent value for your money!

PACKAGE 1:

Accommodation: A luxuriously appointed Bedouin tent where you'll be the guest of a local Bedouin Family.

Transport: Camilla will be at your disposal.
Please do not attempt to bribe her with carrots as she develops severe indigestion,
which Abdullah (seated) is sure to remind you of.

Transportation to and from the airport, as well as any city excursions will be a roomy and very ~~old~~ trustworthy pick-up, ready to take you ANYWHERE!
There will also be ~~plenty~~ some room for your bags, shopping parcels and packages.

Facilities may include the usual, boring old bathrooms,
but we suggest that you should be more adventurous and try out some alternatives as well...

No, That is NOT the bathtub!

All meals are included and will consist of a variety such as dates and... well ...
whatever we can find.

Additional entertainment:

The desert sunsets ...

and sunrises...

... are absolutely spectacular!

Shopping at the local souk...

For the thrill/extreme entertainment seeker:

It could be excessively diverting to actually be SOLD at the slave souk...

Who knows what the results may be!

Price:

The all inclusive price of SR 25 per day, including the petrol/fuel.

(Saudi Riyal)

PS.If you are considering selling yourself at the market, you should pay up front please.

This is a win win situation for both of us as, at the current price of 40 halalas per liter of fuel, WE should be making a neat little profit!

This brings us to the last option

PACKAGE 2:

You'll be picked up at the airport,
sit back and enjoy the sights...

Accommodation: Comfortable rooms

Someone to run your errands...
and the bath water...

Eat as much as you like of our calorie-free food!

We encourage you to do NOTHING...
but RELAX, READ, whatever your heart desires.

This is a holiday for the senses, re-awaken them!

Do Yoga in the garden...

Take a stroll...
Admire the wild life

Join us for a light lunch...

Spend the afternoon at the beach...

Read...

Or just watch the world drift by...

Explore the beautiful Red Sea...

Swim with the fish...

Enjoy High Tea with some famous people...

Later, a quiet Al fresco dinner...

Or dress-up for something more formal...

Price: All inclusive price of SR12000.00 per day.

We know this is a bit pricey, but the good news is that you only pay 1/12 of the price!!
That's right!
1/12

Since this is a 1/12 world!

Now, please book your preferred choice...

We are awaiting your arrival.

Ma'a SALAMA

Thank you to our gracious host, Colleen, over at D DNA!
I have had a wonderful vacation so far and I am happy to receive you all.
Haven't you also had some great 'stopovers' so far?

PS. Even though I am poking a little 'politically-not-correct' fun at my host country:
I have spend many happy years here (more than a decade)!!!
This is definitely a society where families are valued and children are loved.
It is a great place to bring up children.
I have the highest regard for their dedication towards their religion
and the utmost respect for the changes they are making.
Nowadays, you are lucky to see real Bedouin tents
or families still roaming the desert for grazing for their animals.
Pick-up trucks with a camel though are seen... often!
The Red Sea is simply amazing!

There is a button souk, a tent souk, a toy souk, a gold souk, etc etc.
There is definitely NO slave souk!

Oh, and what you wear UNDER your abaya is really your business...
But it should also REMAIN your business

Need a vacation?

2010-04-18T17:21:00.003+03:00

I have been invited to participate in an Once in a lifetime, Around the World
VIRTUAL VACATION,
To be launched tomorrow!

The 'trip' is organized by Colleen,
our friendly host at

DESIGN DNA

Do pop in there today to find inspiration for your miniatures,

as well quite few daring and inspiring ensembles for summer holiday wear.

Changing the world in to miniature

One thing at a time.

Butterstream Gardens

2010-04-06T13:45:00.007+03:00

Good Morning! Welcome to our garden.

The skies are clear, so it is a great day to spend outside.

This is our pool garden.
Our little dinner will be in the loggia tonight.

I still have a few things to do like filling the pond, and planting some annuals.

You're most welcome to help me.

This leafy plant is the Fake-us Benjamina , and that there is Magnus Magnifera Fictitious.

Both indiginous to China.

This here is a Nymphaea Nondorata Crepeus... and that there is ...

You're not much interested to learn the names of all the plants, are you?

Well, perhaps the names of the fish then...

This here is a Tancho, that one is an Asagi.

My favourite is the Tancho Sanke....

Not very interesting, huh?

I'll put our hose away while you feed our little fish.

Hey, you still staring at our fish?

I know, you're puzzled why they are not moving....

Took years, but I trained them that way.

Now come help me with the flower beds. Our perennials are forever spilling over onto the gravel.

We had better get a move on, it'll soon be midday.

Like I said, sun's HOT today!

Our job is done. What do you think?

Now we can set the table in the loggia, ready for our little dinner tonight.

You move all the little things like the little stone bench and the iron table,

while I get our two kitchen chairs.

Everything set?

I think we are done.

All that remains for us to do is...

Light the candles,
and then we can...

Leave.

YOU thought dinner was for US!

Whatever gave you THAT idea?

I'm just the gardener...

Now make sure you close our little gate properly.

We do not want any unwanted visitors here!

On a more serious note:

This little diorama is (loosely) based on the Pool Garden, also sometimes referred to the Temple Garden of the real Butterstream Garden, ONE of my favourite gardens. It is generally considered to be the most beautiful garden on the Emerald Isle.

Set in County Meath, it has been a long time in the making and the life work of Jim Reynolds.

Unfortunately, the extensive gardens has not been open to the public since 2004.

Changing the world into miniature...
One thing at a time.

A little eggstra...

2010-04-02T15:44:00.002+03:00

And for those of you who would like to know where the Easter Bunny who 'lays' the Easter Eggs comes from...CLICK HERE

At long last...

2010-04-01T20:04:00.013+03:00

I know it has been ages...

but I have been hard at work at my miniatures!

And here are the results.. I do hope you like it!

I am still not sure about the colour of the door.

I like the colour... But does it work with the gray bricks?...

What do you think?

Welcome to my 1/12 scale house...
I hope you enjoy your stay!

Don't you just love this blue? It really makes the bespaq console pop.
I used about 1 450 little nails to trim the door!

Can I take your coat? The butler will take your luggage upstairs.

Lets proceed to the drawing room. Would you like a drink?

Yes, the painting is an oil on canvas.

And those little ottomans were designed by Elsie de Wolf herself!

Ah, hope you are hungry... dinner is served!

You are welcome to look around...

But dinner first!

Making these little chairs were SO fiddly!
And I'll have you know that the wallpaper is all hand painted!

I have to admit that the chandelier was NOT made by me, but by some talented artist in Italy.

After dinner, we can kick off our shoes and have a good little gossip or solve world problems here, in front of a cozy fire...

I bought the tall white urn on the pedestal in Thailand!

Would you like to spend the night in the guest room?

Oops, somebody already at home!
Oh, it's the Mini Mad Hatter Miles reading the newspaper!

Then sorry.. you'll have to take THIS OLD room!

Hope you don't mind?
As usual, space in a dolls house always a problem.
Perhaps I should rather make this into a bathroom?
I can also keep the pretty chinoiserie wallpaper then.
What do you think?

I hope you enjoyed the little tour.

I'll show you the kitchen and rest of the house when I finish it...

OK?
Not OK?

Sorry, but I could not help myself!
Lots of 'Redd' Herrings and...

I am sure you all recognized at least SOME of the creations of one of my favourite designers!

This is Miles Redd of course!
And today is....

APRIL 1st!

And here is the talented Mr. Miles Redd himself,

taking a leap of relief (in his splendid mirrored bathroom), that I admitted my fraud.

I can also honestly say that NONE of these lovely photos were taken by me...
And alas... none of these rooms are miniature
BUT

HOW I WISH!
If you take a look at my post here, now you know where I got the 'inspiration' for that painting.
And the REDD couch.

And of course, here and there I DID tell the truth!

Changing the world into miniature...

One thing at a time.

Are you feeling pinned down?

2010-03-16T20:02:00.005+03:00

By your miniatures...

Your job...

Your 'stuff'...

Or just life in general?

Well, of late I have been feeling somewhat 'low'.

A bit like pushing a big yellow bus wherever I want to go!

Know that feeling?

Too much to do and too little time! And the end of the first quater of 2010 is drawing near!

Well, throw open those windows.

Take a deep breath
Clear your mind

I send to you all...

A happy feeling

To come your way

And warm your heart

Let it float...

and take you with...

Walk on sunshine!

Have you ever had that feeling of actually 'walking on sunshine'?

Certainly, NOTHING could pin you down then...

Well here is that wonderful song by Katrina and the Waves.

It has the words, so you can sing along heartily!

Go ahead! No one can hear you!

And for today, and every day,
May your twilight be spectacular!

Tea for Alice

2010-03-07T20:49:00.018+03:00

Here is an invitation...

Just in case you didn't get one yet...

If you arrive on your broom... does this mean it is going to be a flying visit?

I do hope not!
I would like for you to linger, at least for a little while...

Come closer and make yourself at home.

... Just not THAT chair...

That one is for the HATTER!

No sorry, can't sit there either!

That one is for ALICE!

Well actually, this one is for...

Oh, Never mind...

Don't be shy, do have a good helping of everything!

And make sure to save plenty of space for the cake!

The afternoons are VERY pleasant now for sitting in the garden.

Don't you agree?

I see you keep looking at the woods...

If you'd like to, we can go for a little walk...

Just don't shut the gate...
Strange things happen there and perhaps we may need to make a quick escape...

Did you see the size of the mushrooms?
They are VERY poisonous!

Can you imagine how big the Elves and the Fairies are!

Not to mention the Trolls!

I think we should turn back.

Dusk is a STRANGE time to be caught in the WOODS.

See how quickly night is falling...

The light is already changing.

Unfortunately, that means our TEA party is over...

BUT...

And I hope to see you again soon!

(Shall I pack some leftover chocolate cake for your journey back?)

This post is dedicated to the REAL ALICE, who was dealing with the difficult job

Of growing up, and hormones,

When she was tossed into a HOLE of new experiences.

A WONDERLAND of tests, doctors, hospitals and MORE tests.

Chemotherapy

Despair

Anger

You lost your hair Alice, but you found your VOICE.

A BEAUTIFUL, CLEAR voice.

Keep singing Alice,

And LIVE STRONG!

Join Susan at BNOTP for some WONDERFUL Tablescapes by clicking HERE!

Changing the world into miniature...
One thing at a time!

I feel it in my fingers...

2010-02-13T20:09:00.020+03:00

... I feel it in my toes.
Well love is all around me, and so the feeling grows.

It's written on the wind, it's everywhere I go.

So if you really love him, come on and let it show.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO YE ALL!

I found this lovely image on
http://kristinasrandomworld.blogspot.com/

Go and take a look!

Dear Blog...

2010-02-11T12:06:00.012+03:00

Did you notice?
I have not been around much.

I know I have been neglecting you.
But you see, I have been occupied, and I hope you will not be too upset with me.

Did you think I was busy reading?
I would have enjoyed that, but no, that was not what I was doing.

Nor was I learning to play a new instrument...
That would have been nice too...

Now, don't be funny...
I did NOT win the lottery or a poker game...
I don't even know how to play!

Sleeping?
No. Well yes...
But not quite all the time!

But did you notice the bedside table...

Missed it?... I'll show you again.

Bad cold?

Yes!

But that was not all...
See the flowers.... small celebration...

My 20th wedding anniversary!
(Yes, I KNOW these are fake but I did get the most beautiful roses!)

And on February the 8th, my beautiful daughter turned 18!

She grew up much too fast.

BUT...
Most of my time was taken up by hours and hours of work...
and piles and piles of papers...

I marked them so you will not make the mistake in thinking that the BIG pile was the OUT!

I know...
My life is not very exciting.
But I promise to be in touch more! (Well that is at least until the next pile of papers arrive.)

WHAT! You didn't even miss me!

Some friend you are...

Well, it was good to talk to you.
Hope to see you again soon...

Lize

Searching...

2010-01-22T13:33:00.001+03:00

When you go to the beach, do you also look for that one, perfect, enormous shell?

One that the sea had washed out and left on the beach...

Just for you.

One that was overlooked by all the other sea-bathers and strand-walkers...

Perhaps even with a pearl inside...

I didn't find it.
Did you?

Then I looked closer,

and closer...

I had a revelation.
All these years, I have been missing it because I wasn't looking!
Really looking!
There, right before my eyes they were...
The tiniest of shells...
Perfection in miniature! Small BUT Amazing!
Unblemished, some you-can-only-see-with-a-microscope-small.
Teensy-weensy baby shells.

Millions of them. No, Gazzillions!!!

I was sitting on it.

SERENDIPITY!

Nature helping to

Change the world into miniature...

One thing at a time

BLUE AND WHITE

2010-01-07T13:21:00.002+03:00

I just love

Don't you?

Changing the world into miniature...
One thing at a time.

If wishes do come true...

2009-12-30T22:48:00.012+03:00

We have, it seems, reached the end of 2009.

But for all of you, I have a few SPECIAL WISHES for 2010:

May you have only GOOD HAIR days!

May you look GREAT in EVERYTHING you wear!

May you always LAND on your FEET, even in the most embarrassing situations!

May your miniature power tools make you DANCE with joy!

May you do SOMETHING EXCITING that you have never done before!

May you learn MANY interesting and useful things!

May your paths cross with many AMUSING and ENTERTAINING people!

May you NEVER run out of the necessities!

May you receive what your heart desires... not JUST at Christmas BUT always!

May you too walk with JOY in your heart and a SPRING in your step!

But on a more serious note:

I hope you are able to look back at 2009 with at least SOME fond memories.

The year 2010, like all other years, will hold many changes.

We'll ALL be (at least!) one year older by the end of it.

Some of us will have had the flu (bird/ goat/ pig, whatever develops next..).

We'll have made new friends, (and hopefully NOT have alienated any old ones).

Apple will have sold another few billions of electronics,
global warming will (optimistically) have dissipated
and world financial market will have bounced back.

Whatever happens in the New Year, dear reader,
I wish you happiness.

May you be content with what you have,
or may you have the energy and power to change those things that you are not pleased with.

May luck be your constant companion
and may you always remember to count to ten before saying anything.

Wherever you go, go in peace to avoid leaving in pieces.
(War leaves scars on winners too).

Carpe diem

Lize

This is my LITTLE house!

2009-12-27T07:47:00.011+03:00

CORRECTION!

It seems that some of you are under the impression that the whole building is my house?
That would have been very nice... BUT NO!

Our villa is just ONE of these (look closely and you'll see numbers, as well as separate buildings!), and that pool does not belong to me, we SHARE it with the other villas.
Our LITTLE house, on the left side of the table, is unfortunately not visible in one of the photos.

Winter Wonderland... but no snow!

2009-12-26T09:58:00.012+03:00

I do not like cooking. But I do like decorating, so when I knew we were expecting 30 people for Christmas Eve Dinner, I promptly delegated the task of cooking and started planning a Winter Wonderland around the pool.

The evenings are quite pleasant now, and even the mosquitoes venture out now that the nights are cooler.

Two days ahead of time, I started organizing the table decorations. When you are satisfied with the objects you are going to use, it is so much easier to be more creative putting them together when laying the table.

We decided to have one single rectangular table instead of a few round ones, as this is a 'family' dinner (albeit one extended 'ex-pat family'!).

I love using white, silver and turquoise.

Even though I started around 3 in the afternoon, the sun was starting to set very early, and I took a lot of photos even before the tables were finished, as I find the photos at night time never shows the colour and details well.

Even though I had plenty of help, carrying 30 table settings out of the house and to the pool took me ages, and then I can tell you that laying a table for 10 is MUCH easier than doing it for 30!

I added lots of little details in an attempt to keep it interesting.

It took me ages to decide where the trees were to be placed! And a very welcome breeze kept blowing them over (they are very light!), until my husband stuck them to the tiles with duct tape. That worked.

Try to pretend that you don't see the ladders and tripod, mosquito killer machine etc, but this was a work in progress.

I also tried to keep the people out of the picture, but I was not always successful! Perhaps you can see my son doing ninja kicks at the back somewhere.

This table is ready for the desert. There were also tables for the main dishes and coffee etc.

Soon it became dusk and as the sun was setting I took more pictures as the evening light can make interesting patterns.

The blue bowls on top of the serviettes were for salad which followed the soup.

Time to light the candles as the guests were on the way.

Candle light always cast such interesting glows on objects.

The night was a success. The food was cooked to perfection. From the two turkeys (my husband's speciality) to delicious side dishes (thank you to my friends!) and a variety of deserts. They all helped to make it a very special evening!

And I didn't have to cook (or burn) anything!

Anybody for MORE food or cake after Christmas lunch/dinner?

No?

Me too, I HAD ENOUGH!!!

Did you enjoy looking at my tablescape?

Then please feel free to leave a message.

I do appreciate it AND I read every single one!

If you have another minute to linger,

My New Years Wishes for you are HERE.

Back to Tablescapes with Susan...

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T11:06:00.007+03:00

From my family to yours

May every minute you spend with your family be precious and filled with love,
May all the wrapped parcels contain gifts that you want,

May your Turkeys be well cooked and the pudding sticky and sweet,

May Santa bring you whatever your heart desires!

Merry Christmas!

Isn't this just the most darling little silver pitcher?
A friend of mine had it made for me by the talented jeweler who makes jewelry at the company of which her husband is the owner.

Changing the world into miniature...
One thing at a time

I'll be home for Christmas...

2009-12-19T00:52:00.009+03:00

Come on in... Welcome to our open house! Can you believe that there are now only a few days left before Christmas!

Only the finishing touches are needed in our preparations for Christmas. We still need to make our gingerbread house, it fills the house with a wonderful aroma. Do you also prefer to have a really old fashioned, traditional Christmas. Which are your favourite colours for Christmas ?

When we travel, we normally like to bring back some souvenir for Christmas. Many treasured ornaments were given to us by friends.

Please sit down and make yourself at home. Would you like an eggnog or a mulled wine? Do you also like all the old Christmas songs? Which is your favourite? Do you prefer Dean Martin or perhaps Sinatra?

Do you like the smell of cinnamon, or chestnuts roasting? Or perhaps the fresh scent of poinsettias?

Do you also like to use your every day ornaments at Christmas time? Even some 'chinoiserie'?

These are some of the entries in our Guest book for Christmas Eve, 2008. It brings back so many memories when you read through the old comments that friends and family wrote.

Please leave a comment, and let me know if you and your family have special traditions, or even how you would like to spend yours!

Good Night and we hope that you are having a wonderful time with your family preparing for Christmas.

Hope to see you again soon....

Memories of Summer

2009-11-28T21:47:00.010+03:00

Memories of those halcyon days,
are fading fast.

Like footprints on the beach
scattered by the wind...

Carefree days, golden days,

Sand, sun and soft summer breezes.

Blue skies with little white clouds drifting by...
Bathing suits, wet towels and laughter.

Collecting shells...

Children's voices...
Hot dogs and ice cream...
More laughter.

Swim, read, relax...

Freedom to do what you want...

When you want.

Building castles in the sand...

and building them in the sky....

Dreaming. Snoozing.

Feeling alive,
Living
Life

Changing the world into miniature...
One thing at a time

Printable Miniature Book Cover for everyone.

The night before...

2009-11-24T06:29:00.015+03:00

Every year, at our house, on Christmas eve, we read T'was the night before Christmas. We have many traditions, some old, some newer, which makes our Christmas special.

The 'little people' also needs a 'T'was the night before Christmas'. (Or 'Twas, as it should rather be written, but somehow most books ended up with T'was)

I have now searched high and low, and I am pretty sure that this image is vintage and not the property of anyone, so I can pass this book on to you. The book is a large 'picture book', so you can make it around 1 inch.

Changing the world into miniature...
One thing at a time.

All that Glitter!

2009-11-19T17:13:00.003+03:00

Have you noticed all the new and beautiful decorations available for Christmas? They come in every colour, but especially pinks and blues. There are a lot of feathers and glitter... Come and take a walk through the (unfinished!) Christmas shop...

Making the two Christmas trees (the silver and the pink one) was really hard! The wires were really obtuse and kept bending the wrong way... into my fingers!
The trees need more decorations but for now my hands need a rest.

I've been slightly obsessed with books lately... OK, I am usually obsessed with books! But I have been making a lot of books...

>

Changing the world into miniature...
One thing at a time

Writing paraphernalia...and a mini book cover with improved spelling!

2009-11-15T17:28:00.025+03:00

The month of December is nearly upon us, and soon it will be time to deliver those Christmas cards. There is such pleasure in opening these, and whether they have been handmade or bought, they bring such joy, all lined up on the mantle for Christmas time.

I love collecting writing paraphernalia, and it is the ideal time to take out all of these when preparing special wishes and words for friends at Christmas time.

This miniature glass pen, a treasured gift from Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Italy, always gives me great pleasure to look at, and to hold such a delicate object. It is not 1/12 scale, but about 1/3 in scale.

Which colour do you prefer your cards and envelopes to be?

The final touch... the ritual of sealing letters, whether with wax, or embossing it...

So have a cup of tea, and start preparing your cards...

Oh yes, I am apparently slowly but surely losing my mind... and my 'h' as well! Those of you that noticed! Well I replaced the Calligrapy with Calligraphy on the back of the book! I need to spell check in Photoshop. Sorry about that !

And for those that are interested, here is another book cover for copying.

Changing the world into miniature...

One thing at a time

More Books...

2009-11-10T17:17:00.012+03:00

Hi Everyone,

I added another book that is from one of the photos on my blog. You are welcome to use it as long as you are not planning to 'sell' it ;-)

Excuse my 'ramblings' on the cover, but I like to fill the 'space' with words, and never know what to write... but it will not show if printed, unless of course you read it with a microscope!

And it is a good idea to add false pages (one to the back and one to the front), as well as a card (for hard cover) which would fit inside the dust jacket, and then put the outer printed cover/dust jacket, it looks more like a real book than when you stick it flat to the white foam/wood. Let me know if this explanation is as confusing to you as it sounds to me, then I'll try and improve on the clarity!

Changing the world into miniature...
One thing at a time

Printable Miniature Book Covers

2009-11-09T18:21:00.014+03:00

A printable book cover:
The photograph on the cover is one that I took over the summer of a lighthouse on the Koh Chang Island in Thailand.

Feel free to copy and paste it, but only for personal use please.
Click on the image for the large version and for the best possible copy.

The white lines are to guide you when you do the folding of the dust jacket, but they will barely be visible in a 1/12 scale.

I would think that it would be best to scale it down to 7/8 of an inch for a coffee table book.

Changing the world into miniature...
One thing at a time

For Two

2009-11-05T11:31:00.011+03:00

An old fashioned dinner...

The table in front of the music room window was set up while the sun was still high.

The white linen tablecloths were spread and carefully laid, followed by the flow blue china and polished cutlery.

Sunset comes earlier now as winter is fast approaching. The sun casts an orange glow over all before darkness sets.

Inside, the candle lights glow softly, expelling the darkness hiding in the corners.

Now only the two candles on the table are waiting to be lit.

The sheet music has been taken out in preparations for Christmas Carols.

Comfort Food for cooler evenings...

Now rush over to Susan's blog Between Naps on the Porch to see many more 'REAL' Tablescapes!

Good Night!

Changing the world into miniature...
One thing at a time

Bouquet of Brushes

2009-10-29T15:39:00.006+03:00

There is nothing like the smell of paint...

the feeling of the brush in your hand...

a virgin white canvas...

an empty room...

the silence... inspiration...

light...

Unlike roses, a bouquet of brushes lasts forever

Well, nearly! An unfinished painting waiting on my easel. (Real size this time!)
Changing the world into miniature...

One thing at a time

Feast!

2009-10-22T12:32:00.015+03:00

Welcome one and all!

The doors have been unlocked.

The tables have been laid..

Please sit down...

And enjoy yourselves.

A big thank you to all those readers who have been following my blog!

Why PINK?

If you haven't guessed yet...

October is breast Cancer Awareness month, and the days are running out.
Stop Breast Cancer in it's tracks by discovering it early!

PS. I promise that this is my last tablescape for a while! (If I can help myself!)

But I just had to say thank you to all those people who have been so kind as to follow my blog! By the way, if you have been following me, I have been 'stalking' you right back!!!

Changing the world into miniature...

One thing at a time

Award!

2009-10-22T10:30:00.009+03:00

I have received this award from Synnove, who has been very kind to think of me. Please check out her site for some lovely French inspirations. In her Dolls House, there lives a chic French lady (I like to think that her name is Genette or Jeanette). She keeps her hair up in a towel-turban, which I thought was because she had just washed her hair...but the other day I discovered... But I am not going to tell you, you have to go and find out all by yourselves.

Now the rules to this award says I have to...

1. Thank the person who gave this to you.

2. Copy the logo and place it in your blog.

3. Link the person who nominated you.

4. Name 7 things about yourself that no one would really know.

5. Nominate seven "Kreativ Bloggers"

6. Post links to the seven blogs you nominate.

7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know that you nominate

But I am going to do it a little differently... just a little differently....

1. I have 2 kids and they are nearly 10 years apart. The youngest is now 8.
2. I love interior decorating and I am a keen oil 'painter', would like to one day be able to call myself an 'artist'!
3. I have lived on 3 continents.

4. I have not visited South America and Antarctica yet. (Not keen on Antarctica but I would like to go to South America though!)

5. I have weekends on Thursday and Friday because I currently live in the Middle East and the Muslims' holiest day of the week is Friday. So, if I seem to disappear over the weekend... it is because I am starting my week.
6. I love living in the Middle East, and I can buy any of the TOP brand names in clothing and furniture, but when it comes to arts and crafts, you have to use what you can get! Lately I have been lucky as now I don't have to import acrylic paint anymore... but now the Fimo is nowhere to be found, and all my Doll House hardware needs to be imported in my luggage, as many companies do not deliver here! And that is why I travel with as little as possible, in order to buy as much as I can! Lately I have been able to find basic Basswood and Balsa (hurrah!)
Amazing Desert sunset!

The turquoise Red Sea

7. I wish it could be Christmas every month...OK, I have to admit that it would then loose that special feeling and if I leave all my ornaments up it would become VERY dusty! But still, it is such a special time of the year!

Every time I search for inspiration, and I look at blogs created by people all over the world, I am amazed at the 'creative force'. The knowledge available through blogs and especially for and from the miniature community is absolutely overwhelming. People share their knowledge, their art and their thoughts, for free. I have 'seen' how they united their creativity when one blogger was ill. They send their handiwork by mail, to people whom they have never met in real life, on the other side of the world.

SO, I dedicate this reward to all 'mini' bloggers (there must be more than 700!) out there, because they are all creative in there own way, and 3 cheers to that wonderful thing we call the internet!

Changing the world into miniature...

One thing at a time

A Birthday Celebration

2009-10-14T18:00:00.013+03:00

It was the Robin's nest, discovered in the garden during the summer, that inspired the intimate Birthday Celebration. As a reminder, a small silver bird cage was placed on the centre table.
Invitations were sent out, the envelopes were Robin Egg blue.

The dishes were laid out, buffet style, on the tables against the walls of the conservatory.

Champaigne was kept on ice in a silver urn.

The stationery was at hand to write thank you notes for gifts bestowed...

It was a night to be remembered...

Changing the world into miniature...

One thing at a time

An award!

2009-10-13T17:08:00.001+03:00

Kathi, from Beautiful Mini Blessings was so kind as to include me in her list for my first ever blog award! (Thank you Kathi).

Kathi is a multi-talented (carpenter, upholsterer, seamstress, the list goes on...) lady with a lovely blog. If you feel stressed out... go and 'relax' over there. At the same time, you can also find some good ideas and some practical advice. (see her bookshelves built with aid from Starbucks)

There are so many talented people in 'Blogland'. And I have only 10 awards to pass on.

I tried, and found it impossible to pick...

So I would like to share this lovely award with everybody...

Changing the world into miniature...

One thing at a time.

Autumn

2009-10-09T00:10:00.002+03:00

Season of mellow fruitfulness...
During fall, the best place to be is in Quebec! In late September, the leaves turn to unbelievable shades. By October, there is a riot of colour and leaves glow in the sunlight like flames in a fire.

Time to harvest the last fruit of summer.

The heap of leaves in the garden quickly grows into a mountain.

The pumpkins are ready to turn into pumpkin pies, soup or Bad Hair Day Halloween Barbies!

Even the mini entrance hall gets a makeover.

Soon Old Man Winter will be here...

Happy preparations for Halloween!

Changing the world into miniature...
One thing at a time.

Welcome!

2009-10-08T12:30:00.008+03:00

This morning, I woke up and discovered that I had 2 followers! Immediately I set out my best tea set and baked a cake. Tink and Synnøve have beautiful blogs and I can see they put in many hours in creating their miniatures! So ladies, you are both invited to my mini blog tea in your honour. Enjoy!

Changing the world into miniature...
one thing at a time.

Charlotte Moss Townhouse Vignette

2009-10-01T00:05:00.002+03:00

I put together a little miniature vignette inspired by this photo taken by 'Habitually Chic' in Charlotte Moss' shop 'Townhouse', when she had the closing down sale. I found this image here.
I used what I had and replaced things with other objects that were similar.

Laundry room

2009-09-22T14:21:00.006+03:00

Time to do the laundry!
I am nearly done with the laundry room.
The little pegs tried my patience but I suppose you only learn by struggling!

I will eventually replace the washing mashine with a bought one. I don’t think I’ll be able to create a believable replica.

I am pleased with the way the scoop in the laundry detergent turned out. I was so inspired by the results that I also made a wooden spoon, spatula and an egg lifter.

Little Laundry Room

2009-09-12T19:04:00.020+03:00

I found this absolutely inspiring photo by Simon Bevan here

It is indeed pretty!

Well, I started wondering how it would look in a smaller size. Since I can't have it in the real size (our laundry still working fine and no excuse to rip the tiles out...). The idea kept growing in my head...

Need an ironing board...

Which fabric shall I use?

And then LOTS and LOTS of other stuff!
Like a scoop for the detergent... took me a long time drilling and sanding.

Boxes and bottles and containers, I could not wait to see how it will ll fit together... even though the unfinished washing machine is upside down.

Finished a laundry basket, with dirty laundry....

Only a few things left to do.

Julie & Julia September 11th

2009-09-12T19:04:00.019+03:00

Just before going through the gate to board my plane at Dublin Airport, I did some last minute duty free shopping. I bought handkerchiefs (the old fashioned Irish Linen kind...) they make beautiful sheets and tablecloths in miniature, and a book by Nora Ephron. Of course it is' Julie & Julia', the newly made movie which I have not seen yet. Actually, I have seen 'the kitchen', which is charming, but had no idea what the story was about.

I started reading the minute I had fastened my seat belt; Two things struck me forcefully... the first was the date, and I was only reminded when I got to the part where Julie refers to ground zero, and 9/11.

It was the 11th of September, I mean the date that I was sitting on the plane was actually 11th of September, and there I was reading a book about the 11th of September. And there was nothing I could do about it, the door was closed and I could see tiny little freight carriers, way below on the choppy Irish sea!

Now I am not normally a superstitious person, but... Coincidence? Perhaps not... No wonder I managed to get a booking on such short notice. Well, I made it to Turkey, and finished the first 200 pages. And thankfully my next flight was on the 12th!

Now we come to the other thing.

It is here that I have to mention that I am a vegetarian. I have been... for 26 years. It was very hard reading those first 200 pages, with all the slaughtering going on, killing and mangling, French dishes or not! I will be hard pressed to go and see the movie, the images in my head were vivid enough. And even though the writing is good, if Julie doesn't stop making meaty dishes in the next 10 pages, that book will be donated to the first carnivore I see.

Back from the land of smiles...

2009-08-29T16:45:00.017+03:00

NB Click on any of the images to enlarge

I am delighted to tell you that Thailand offers, besides fine weather and beautiful beaches, a wide variety of miniatures! But you have to be willing to do some footwork (I finished off 2 pairs of sandals on uneven sidewalks!), take the bad smells with the good, (Sidewalk restaurant versus open sewers!), and do plenty of haggling!

Nearly all of the miniatures available are objects relevant to the Thai lifestyle, or things they are familiar with. The blue and white are used as containers in shrines (holding flowers or incense etc) , and the pots, bottles and bowls are all paraphanelia related to their cooking and the food they eat, for instance food available at the roadside vendors.

Most objects are made really well, but not always to 1/12 scale, especially the food and plants. Western food are not made to the same quality as Thai food, so I bought only a few things 'western', (including oreo cookies twice the size it should be, see the display shelves in the photos at the bottom of this post, they are the same size as the doughnuts!). I did buy plenty of Thai food however...especially the sushi is divinely real.

I found a load of stalls at the Chachatuk weekend market, quite a few things at the Suan Long Night market, and there is an excellent little 'shop' on the 3rd floor at MBK shopping centre, but haggle hard, it is a bit pricey! Keep your eyes open, minis for sale everywhere but hard to find between all the other stuff. I even found urns at the Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant's souvenir shop??? Makes no sense to me...

Oops, I knocked it off the real table=(

I found LOTS of Celadon as well!

A variety of animals... they are very cute! Most of the animals relate to the Chinese 'Year'

The baskets come in many shapes and sizes and so do the bamboo baskets and bowls. Made by nimble fingers!

The food vendors are found everywhere! Setting up an alfresco restaurant anytime of the day and absolutely anywhere! They are very popular with the Thai People, and during lunch break, even young executives can be seen eating from the collapsable table , perched on a plastic stool. The reason why you find a row of these bicycle carts, parked amiably alongside one another, is that they sell different foods. One might provide soft drinks, another juices, another meat kebabs, the list goes on. For every 'kitchen on wheels' you would need different pots, containers etc, and the little stall in MBK (3rd floor) sells ALL of these! Down to the plastic baskets! I considered for a moment to start collecting these too, but fortunately the feeling passed again when I realized I have enough on my plate as it is. Would be very cool though... perhaps one day!

The cakes were truly lovely, slightly over the top creations, but comes in many shapes and colours. They are true to size, the only trouble is which ones to buy. Oh choices! The ice creams were so adorable, but the cinnabuns (I think?) were a bit of a mistery for a while. (They came as part of a 'set'. I would not have bought them otherwise.)

The glassware was well made, but limited to a few things, and some specifically for the mini food vendor. The large glass jar for example holds something which looks like a stock (with plenty of spices added!), but I thought it could be used as a vase, or something.

Minis

2009-08-07T16:02:00.009+03:00

Time to trim the topiaries which have become quite unrecognizable after spring showers.
The bulbs need planting as some of them are showing green leaves already. The seed packets are waiting to be planted too.

Unfortunately, after a storm, the tiny robin's nest was discovered on the lawn, with the eggs miraculously intact and unscathed , but the branch was snapped off clear.

The children carried it to the nursery, where they all painted the nest with the eggs in aquarelle.
Changing the world into miniature...

One thing at a time

I had a little garden...

2009-08-02T03:23:00.018+03:00

We have a little garden,
A garden of our own,
And every day we water there
The seeds that we have sown.

We love our little garden,
And tend it with such care,
You will not find a faded leaf
Or blighted blossom there.

Helen Beatrix Potter
(28 July 1866 – 22 December 1943)

I have long admired the feisty Beatrix Potter. The stories of Peter Rabbit, and all the other woodland creatures that were brought to life by her brush strokes, are a bit like old friends to me. I have read them many times to my children, and I even bought a set in French when my daughter first started learning it. This little rhyme was included in Cecily Parsley Nursery Rhymes, and I have not read it, nor thought of it, for a very long time. Recently, most subconsciously, the words sprang to mind. So appropriate, those rhyming words seem to carry the same melancholy that I have been feeling.

You see, I have moved again ... and I left behind my little garden. Somewhat overgrown, but well loved.

In that tiny garden, we planted several trees, shrubs and ground covers. Somehow, we also managed to fit in a small pond with a family of goldfish. I was fortunate enough to become the custodian of 'Bradley's Hand', a large metal sculpture made by a talented IB student, This sculpture found a home there as well. Happily rambling along over the tall back walls, and into the trees, and over the shrubs, and along the ground; were several species of flowering climbers and creepers. There were also a variety of aromatic plants which scented the garden during hot days and sultry nights. Oh, and then there was George III, the resident garden frog. Sadly, when we left, George III had to stay behind in his little paradise.

George III was the son of George II, which of course was a direct descendent of George I. George II loved to play hide and seek in the house whenever he found the door ajar. This he did, clearly just to freak me out. The unfortunate habit led to an early grave when he 'hid' in the bucket of soapy water which the housekeeper had left on the veranda. Fortunately, George III learned from his father's mistake and stayed in the garden, like all resident frogs should! But I am veering off course... back to the garden.

We had some wonderful alfresco dinners under the night sky, or 'teas' in the afternoon during the cooler days. Many times we could be found, in the garden, just chatting away and laughing into the small hours of the night. Of course, a few times we squeezed in so many people in, looking back, I wondered how we managed it! Thanksgiving and Christmas, when the winter nights were pleasant, the garden was usually decked out in splendour, awaiting the guests. Sometimes we dangled baubles off the branches, suspended twinkling lights on twigs, and when the occasion arose, fake lilies could be found, floating freely on the pond. Usually, all the mosquitoes in the neighbourhood also attended, despite the smoke signals sent out via the Citronella Candles.

But that is all in the past. All the greenery was traded for a bare patch of desert sand. I know that I used to refer to that garden as a 'postage stamp', (and I meant that very affectionately!). This was however before I saw the 'new' garden! This 'patch' is the size of a 1/2 p postage stamp!

Less than a week after we moved in, we tackled the 'eyesore'. The children, the neighbours and the maid were all a bit surprised, since the curtains were not even up.

With our usual aplomb, we 'filled' the new garden. Our motto is : 'stick it in and see what grows'. This is usually why we end up with more plants than should be accommodated in our garden! The space under the single existing tree was under-planted with various shade loving plants, and the rest of the garden managed to hold several shrubs and climbers. We added numerous bags of compost to the sandy soil, and hopefully this will also encourage earthworms to take up residence. The wonderful thing is, that in the desert, plants grow really VERY fast. There are no real winters, and this means accelerated growth. That is as long as you remember to water daily!

We also discovered a gorgeous glazed planter which will eventually be a water feature. This will be in the centre of the '1/2 p postage stamp'. No fish for the moment as the 'fountain' is in full view of the desert sun for most of the day, and currently our day temperatures are scorchers. No goldfish will survive such an ordeal.

I was lucky enough to add 2 more rose bushes to my 'collection'; which means that I now have 3! They all seem to be 'old' species, but as the amusing and helpful man at the Nursery could only speak Arabic,( and I have to admit after living here for sooo long, my Arabic is still limited to a handful of words), I was unable to get more info from him. After spending 2 hours at the nursery, communicating with hand signs and pictures I drew in my notebook, we laughed like old friends by the time our Jeep was stuffed to the roof with plants. While seated in the car, he brought MORE plants; 'Gifts' , he explained, and he gave me his card, which was in Arabic. Unknowingly, I held it upside down while looking at it as if I was 'reading' it; until he laughed and and turned it 'around' for me. I laughed heartedly along at my ignorance! I have been to my fair share of nurseries but I have never had such a delightful experience! ( I have to mention here that it was midday, 40 degrees celsius and the nursery was NOT air-conditioned! Gardening in summer? Never fun and definitely not for the faint hearted!)

I now know that one the two roses is a fuchsia pink. The one I had from before is of a slightly lighter in shade, and the other new one, a deep red. And how do I know this? They have both rewarded me with flowers since I bought them two weeks ago! The blooms are the floppy, old fashioned kind, but where they are lacking in beauty, they reward with their wonderful scent. Besides the blooms, they have leaves which I am happy about! Now you may think that I take pleasure in simple things, which is true! Especially since I like to make (and eat) chocolate date cake, and most important are the chocolate covered rose leaves on top... without it, the cake is just not the same!

For old times sake...

My light and airy studio can be seen upstairs. It was truly a room with a view, and I used to feel as if I was painting in a tree house while working there.

Which MOSS is your favourite?

2009-07-28T08:33:00.007+03:00

A. Moss as in lichen...

Pick your favourite MOSS:

B. Moss as in Kate...

or

C. Moss as in Charlotte...

If your favourite is A, you prefer to be outside,

and as this post is all about being 'inside', I suggest that you click on the word DOOR to make your escape!

If your favourite is B, then you are lost darling and you can find your way back to your world by clicking HERE.

If you picked C, then I can suggest reading about Charlotte Moss on her own Website, or visit COTE DE TEXAS (there you'll find a basketful of info and images galore on her), as well as New York Social Diary published a very interesting article, and included some terrific images taken in her home. Although this interview was feature in May 2006, it gives good insight in Ms Moss' thoughts about minimalism as well as following of trends.

As for me, I like her confidence which is evident in the interiors she does. The woman knows what she wants and where she is at!

Now I wonder how this room will look in minature? It is pretty special in full size!

Perhaps with a little help, this can also turn into something Charlotte will approve of.

PS. If like me, you thought that moss and lichen are the same, go to this website to learn what the difference is between them! You might be surprised to discover that they are found all over the world and are used in DYES!

That colour Red!

2009-07-26T15:57:00.012+03:00

You can call it scarlet, crimson, burgundy or Alizarin. The list is endless. There are many shades; ranging from orange to pink and brown, but Red, by any other name would still be RED!

It is the colour of food, war, wine, flags, flowers, luck, love, hate, passion and the blood pulsating through our veins. It is the colour of kings.

It is the colour people adore, it is the colour they fear. Never one of those wishy-washy colours, it will not be overlooked!

It has been used, very effectively, by artists.Sir Henry Raeburn
"Patrick Moir"
( 1769 - 1810 )
Oil on canvas 29 x 24 inches

I like to use red in my paintings too. Here is a portrait I painted of an Afghan girl in her traditional garb.

If there is one designer who has an affinity for red, it is that brilliant and fearless Alidad. Simply known as 'Alidad', this is also the name of his design company. He describes his 'look' here. He teams it up with golden, yellow and blue, as well as a multitude of tertiary colours.
Alidad has been collaborating with Pierre Frey and Chelsea Textiles, designing fabrics in his signature look. The two ranges are so different from one another that they are bound to please any palate.

Alidad has also designed a range of furniture with Thomas Messel (yes, related to the late, great Oliver Messel). Named 'The Velvet Furniture Collection', the designs are based on neo-classical shapes, combining leather and bronze with dramatically studded velvet.The furniture is as at home in contemporary homes as period ones. For more detail, click here

The console table, Augustus, was the first design launched. World of Interiors chose it as its Product of the Year in 2004. This table has since been copied in various forms, some painted and even flocked, but none could rival the original. The Augustus Console Table is shown in studded red velvet. See the detail on the cabriole here

Less is less and MORE is MORE! Rich colours, opulent patterns and sensuous textures combine to create a feeling of luxury and comfort in a library-come- sitting room.Illuminated Verre églomisé is an inspired backdrop for a sumptuous and enchanting dining room. Stamped leather walls, a trompe l'oeil coffered ceiling and layers of damask, gilt, crystal and candlelight create a romantic and luxurious dining room. When Alidad was asked to design a charming pied-à-terre in a 17th-century square in the heart of Paris, he decided to create a jewel-like box that would be a feast to the eyes. The rooms are in fact quite modest in size, but by making them as sumptuous as possible, a visitor is tricked into thinking they are bigger.When it comes to bedrooms, Alidad is just as bold in his use of colour and fabric.Leather walls are the canvas for a magnificent bedroom with a four-poster bed draped in 18th-century velvet.A combination of old fabrics from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries married with modern textiles in sympathetic hues is the foundation for this glorious yellow drawing room.A fabulously overscaled 17th- century tapestry creates drama and interest in this warm, relaxing drawing room.A different view...
And yet another angle...

HOUSE & GARDEN*, the US edition, published the photos of a wonderfully cozy and blissful room, in April 2005. The walls are covered in fabrics from the Mauresque collection from Pierre Frey, as are the furniture. This is a room for cozy conversation and cold winter evenings. This image, also from H & G shows Alidad and Thomas Messel in the centre of the box parterre in front of Messel's 16th century manor house in the Cotswolds.This image gives a good idea of the scale of the console. It also shows how well this strong red goes with its complementary colour.
Could this English Baroque wingback have been the inspiration for their line of furniture? It 'lives' in the drawing room of Thomas and his wife Pepe Messel.The handsome Thomas Messel hard at work in the gazebo...looking very much like the 'English Gentleman'.

In the same issue, Robert Kime's talents are shown off. His rooms are typically put together in a casual way and over several centuries! Most pleasing, Mr Kime used RED, in all the rooms shown. In some, he goes all out, and in some, just a dash of red.

Tonight, enjoy yourself and paint the town...RED!

*Sadly, the US House & Garden magazine ceased publication following the release of the December 2007 edition. Originally founded in 1901, the magazine promised the best in taste, quality and design for your home. This was the second time the magazine has folded -- it was closed in 1993 and brought back in 1996. International editions in Britain, Greece and South Africa will continue to be published.

Soap Suds

2009-05-27T12:48:00.007+03:00

'Elegance is a bar of soap'. Nobody can doubt the truth of this statement since it was Hubert de Givenchy who said this, and the great man of fashion would have known!

The fragrance from a bar of soap can conjure up so many memories, places we have been and things we have seen. The world adores a baby, smiling contently and smelling divinely clean. Grandmothers should smell like Lavender, or April Violets. It should be an old fashioned smell. Not one of these 'new' fragrances such as grapefruit, or pomegranate, or espresso! How pleasant it is to walk into a bathroom where the heavenly fragrance of cleanliness lingers in the air. Freshly scrubbed faces after a day of play... soap suds mimicking funny hairdo's, ... and beards.

The joy of picking up a 'new' bar of soap, so smooth, so silky. Working up the lather. How can a bottle of shower gel ever compare? Oh yes, and please, no soap on a rope for me! That would just spoil the fun; chasing and scooping up that elusive and slippery bar from the water. (Childish, I know!)

Ah, indeed,'cleanliness is next to godliness'.

One day I would love to own a lavender farm! With miles and miles of lavender flowers.

But in the meantime, I have been collecting Lavender from where ever I go... I have lavender from France, England, South Africa, Canada and Australia.

I have lavender soap from Lebanon and Switzerland, Quebec and Australia.

I made a little broom cupboard...

If I want to clean, I suppose I need to take the mop out?

Well, perhaps the mop is a bit too small! It will take forever to mop and scrub the floor...

And this is the broom cupboard with the door.

PS. Don't forget to wash those hands properly, and with soap! Viruses such as H1N1 (or Swine Flu) are more likely to spread if we don't!