OldEarringFun

These earrings must date from the 1980's. I bought them, with many other filigree style accessories. I think I paid about .20c a piece at a Thrift Store. That was in the mid 1990's. As you know we miniaturists must NEVER throw anything out!

I thought originally that I might use them as matching mirrors but I think that this use is more interesting for my house. The central disk is 1 1/2", top to bottom they measure 2 1/2". I have two pair of earrings.

The photos show how easily the earrings were converted to formal French-style and Chinoiserie-style decorative wall plaques. I chose an image, cut it out - then painted the central disk very thinly with all-purpose glue before placing the image. I am very happy with the French ladies but may find different images for the others as they seem a little dark. Interesting how a different style is achieved by turning the earring upside down. You can see I cut the dangles from the disk to enable me to attach the silk ribbon but left them on for the others.

Photo 1: French lady with gold silk ribbon.
Photo 2: Earring blanks.
Photo 3: Magazine page for Chinoiserie-style choices.
Photo 4: Cut-out to define image.
Photo 5: Chinoiserie plaque finished.
Photo 6: Pair of French ladies.

BirdRoomLongView:

This long view is to show the whole room as well as the leather bag beside the bed. I'm sorry to put this on another post but I could not work out how to add in a photo in a changed-from-original sequence. One of my sons promises to bring me an eight-year-old to help me. Hope he can find one soon! Also I have difficulty leaving comments on some blogs. I write a message then it will not seem to go in..... never mind I will soon get it all under control. Until then thank you for following and if you notice you have been visited by Canada - it is probably me!
Regards Janine

BirdRoomMore:


I do like to take photos through the windows as this technique automatically frames the scene.
The far end of the bird room contains a chaise where the lady of the house can indulge herself in a couple of her hobbies - reading is one, the other restoring old linens that she collects wherever she can find them. Her criteria is that they are of good quality and have faggoting or lace trim, preferable both. Lemon and salt paste and sunshine fade rust and most stains. The lace is another matter as it often needs replacing or careful repairing.

White tulips presently adorn the pie top work table so it must be spring! Note the little tape measure, pin cushion and reels of thread with scissors. In Canada the tomato shaped pin cushion is an old standard. You may recognize the framed print on the interior wall as "Woman with Parrot" by Edouard Manet 1866, presently in the New York Metropolitan Museo.
Perhaps I could use a rubber stamp and put a bird on the plain cushion.
There is a bird cage on the top of the armoire, unfortunately it suffered a bit in storage and I had to trim part of it away.

This room contains a lot less than the other rooms due the the strength of the wallpaper. I hope it remains tranquil but lived in.

BirdRoomDetails

The bombe chest displays a collection of trophys... acquired from board games and a sterling silver charm (tarnished) pair of binoculars. The print framed above reminded me of photos of my husband when he was a child.

I am not sure what most people use for their pillows. I like to use canary gravel... it is clean and slumps in a most satisfactory way creating a nice shape in a pillow. I used fibrefill in the white covered bed pillows.




Of course, more of the decorated linens.

Close up of the desk shows vanity trays, filled with bead bottles and a commercial vanity set that reminded me of the old bakelite sets. The lamp is wired, picture frame is part of a broach jewellery finding.

GrandSalon

Here we are, looking into the Grand Salon - the door on the left has a sheer silk curtain in pale gold to match the panel trim which is wood beading painted gold and then fitted around the panels. The doorway leads into the entry and staircase to the upper level. You will notice that the fireplace has not been attached or finished. I love the settee and chairs that I recovered.

To the left is a baby cupboard (Bespac) that I decoupaged in the chinoiserie style and painted with a mahogany stain, a colour to match other furniture in the house. Blue and white wear displayed and closest is a side table and chair for reading. Note the little Eiffel towers used as book ends. These were a prize pair of earrings from a thrift store.

BathroomMore

The bathroom is unfinished but I will not do anything more to it before I pack everything away once again. I did make a brass type circular shower rail and curtain and I did have a paisley dressing gown draped on the hook on the door (not visible as the door is open). I have put the dressing gown aside as looking at it through the lens of the camera it seemed too distressed. I think that it may be because the soft blue paisley pattern had a beige shadowing.
I have lots of Chanel style bottles, jars of shells and ornamentation to go on the plate rail around the bathroom. I also plan to place a collection of ornamental mirrors on the wall with the door. I have quite a few made from earring backs etc and they looked quite interesting when I stuck them on with blue tack. My goal is to make the rooms look as if we just missed seeing someone pass through the rooms.
I think that the scale of the taps for the bath and the sink are too large. Perhaps I will paint the body and feet of the bath a different colour? Does anyone have an opinion on the scale of the taps?

Dining Room Display Cases:

Here are the photos of the two display cases. The clear rigid plastic, to which items are glued, enable you to change the display or to remove an item without doing any damage to the cupboard.
I must not collect any more china unless I plan to set the table.... mmm , I could be tempted.
But I do have a wonderful collection of set tea trays that my friend Elizabeth made for me. I think they are still away in storage. Perhaps I will save them for a bed and breakfast doing each room in a different theme.
I really should polish the silver! Photos are very helpful when I am looking to see if things look realistic.... thank goodness for digital cameras!

Kitchen Divider Counter:

I will probably fill this cupboard with books. The drawers open so they will contain things as well even though they will not be open.