I'm just having fun.

Hello Everyone,

The weather has been cold and wet... except for a couple of sunny days that pushed me out to the garden. I was tip toeing around as when the ground is soaked it is easy to compact the soil.

My snow drops are beginning to nod their heads. I lifted the skirt of the large rosemary to find them sheltered and almost in bloom. I was rewarded by not only the blooms but the fragrance of the rosemary. The Sarcococca is also in bloom near my front gate. The tiny blossoms give up such a heady fragrance it just makes you feel hopeful that Spring will arrive in due course.

Now Christmas is over and our three sons birthdays have been celebrated it was time to change the decor of the Swedish House.  I am not sure it is a Swedish House but it will continue to evolve until it settles into its location.

I built a simple settee. I imagined a small grandchild sleeping there - cozy beside the fire. This build has only one large bedroom so I thought I would try and include and extra sleeping space. It may not stay there.

Here it is with a rug I knitted on 00 circular needles with very, very fine wool.

Tea is served with cinnamon buns.  I read that in Sweden more cinnamon buns are eaten than in any other nation! Can it be true?

Handy husband Bruce asked me what I would like for Christmas and to fulfill that wish built a mora clock.

Just noticed the side bar is covering the clock. I will try to repeat pic at the end of the post. J.

The feast has been cleared away from the table but may return as I have accumulated, with contributions from my Miniteer friends, quite a collection of food.

A pot of daffodils have come in from the winter room at the front of the house.

I like the reflection of the chandelier in the window in the picture below.

The bedroom is next on the agenda!

Hope everyone in blog-o-sphere is finding time to enjoy their projects.

All the best.
Janine

Almost a New Year

Almost ... a New Year:

Still 2018 near Vancouver, Canada. At last I have had some inspiration and begun work on my Swedish House.

It began with the acquisition of a prancing deer in the Christmas section of a big box store. 'I may be able to do something with that" I thought. Home I raced and quickly decapitated the representation of a deer to create an over-the-mantle decoration for the season.

No deer were harmed in this post.

 It can take such a small breakthrough to get one energized for a project.  Now I was ready to fill the panels with a mural I had chosen some time ago.

 After a lovely mini day with Elizabeth of http://www.studioeminiatures.blogspot.com and a consultation on fabrics I began to cover the furnishings I had reserved for this house.

This chair was previously covered in a very shiny cream sateen but was easy to reupholster with cotton fabric. The small table is painted with chalk paint. Christmas tree and pastries by Elizabeth.

Lovely Bespaq cupboard bought at a Seattle Miniature Show contains two Elizabeth Causeret casseroles with lids. One from the Paris SIMP in 2017 and one matching a gift from Minteer friend Linda during her visit to the Kensington Show 2018.

 Hide on the floor cut from very fine leather.

Mantle decorated for the holidays.

Peonies by Fatima of Beauxminis, peaches by Elizabeth.

Preparations for a gathering to welcome the New Year.

Time to light the fire.

The Champagne is poured.

 Or perhaps you would prefer tea?

Tea set by Elisabeth Causeret.


I cannot help but be thankful for the view from my workroom window. It is not always so benign nor are the skies always blue but ever-changing and to me awe inspiring.

The closing of the final day of 2018.

I hope you were able to share this holiday season with family and friends.

Second Granddaughter and I wish you a very happy, healthy and safe 2019.

Warm regards and thank you for visiting.

Janine