The Miniature Rooms-- Beginning

The Miniature Rooms is about a project I have to create a dollhouse-- that isn't a house, and isn't for dolls.

I originally decided to create a standard dollhouse, complete with lighting, curtains, miniature cutlery, the whole thing. 

Some of this came from memories of a dollhouse I had had as a child in the seventies-- and completely not played with at all. It was made by a couple who lived locally, and was a standard 1930's suburban house where the entire front opened up, and all the items inside were hand made. It included a tiny family who met a grisly end when I set them down in a puddle on the kitchen worksurface-- and they dissolved. My mother told me they were made from "dried apples" and I've honestly thought I misheard her-- until I Googled it just now. Apparently it is a thing! They were popular in the early 20th century-- I've always assumed the couple who made it were old because of the style of the house and things in it.

The dollhouse got lost to history. The only thing I randomly have left is a tea pot (made from apple??) that I've kept all that time. It's crude, has a bow on the base so will not sit straight, but...

I had tried to create a dollhouse years ago, and had bought a lot of furniture and a shell that I had constructed. But I didn't really do much on it, and when I moved, I sold it.

It resurfaced again when I was going through the menopause. I wanted a distraction from the anxiety and depression, but when I bought the shell and looked at the things I could buy--- I didn't feel inspired. There's nothing wrong with the sort of dollhouse, and I've seen some amazing examples, there just wasn't enough interest in it for me. I felt like I would just be collecting mass-made items and placing them into a mass-made home. I could make everything from scratch-- but again that didn't appeal as I don't have the skill to make things as I would want to, and buying new, but craftsman made, items didn't interest me either.

I also realised that a lot of these things were aimed at a "girly" market-- full of frills, pink, and flowers. I'm not girly. I love jewellery and crafts, but I also watch horror, listen to metal and own a PS4 and Xbox One. 

As an avid collector of miniature antiques, I realised that I could combine the two hobbies-- and create a series of rooms that would display my items perfectly, but also give me room to create items as well to go in them.

So, the miniature rooms were born. 

I decided to create this blog to document the creation and evolution of the rooms-- from an empty shell with stuff in it, to hopefully something beautiful.

Here are photos of what I started with. Sorry, they're not amazing, I did them on my phone in a hurry, and through glass, but as I have already started work, they are the only record I have of the beginning. 

Just a note on space-- these rooms are not to scale. Well, not to any scale. I put together what looks nice, and don't worry about the practicalities of someone "living" in them. So, no windows, doors, space-- or chairs. Yet, at least. And the collections need curating-- and a serious dose of sanity.

I will take more photos later-- and with a lot more detail as I do each room.

The study is lined with books, has a wood surround fireplace, and a tilt-top table. No chairs, though. Wouldn't want you to get comfortable.

This is another crowded, confusing room. Half oriental, half Italian, it's a glorious mess with a marble fireplace and bare walls and floor.

Another mess. Or just an awful photo. Oh well. As I make jewellery too, I've made a few necklaces to stock this shop, but there's a treasure-trove of other items in there to enjoy.

...is not what I call this room. Nope, this is a good, old fashioned junk shop. Or antiques shop, if you prefer. Again, too cluttered, with new purchases pilled up on the floor. Just like the real thing.

I like to think of a 13th century alchemist or mage working in this room, whomever or whatever, I want it to be...strange. With skulls.

The heart of any home... and this one almost has a floor. I say almost because it isn't fixed down, and there are huge gaps you could lose a maid down. But, it's a start.

So yes, right now it's a bit of a mess. But I have big plans...

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