Update

Wow. So I have discovered a lot of things since starting my creepy little project.

1. MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE - I realised this was good advice after cutting the facade for my house too small. I am now trying to rectify that issue.

2. DOLLHOUSE ACCESSORIES CAN BE EXPENSIVE - I have decided to try to make as much of these myself. However, I couldn't help purchasing my first accessory today in the craft shop. After all, every witch needs a quality broom.

3. SUPERGLUE CAN HURT - Yeah, especially when you stick your fingers together.

4. THIS WILL TAKE TIME. - I had wanted to have this completed for Halloween. I now think it could be Halloween 2014. 

5. I'M REALLY ENJOYING IT! - Please stay tuned for further updates. Once I have the frame built properly I will add some detailed photos but for now please have a sneak peek at a pivotal part of the whole project.

Quick Update

Hey guys,

Just a quick update. Mainly working on the structure of the dollhouse in between writing projects. The unit has been sanded down and I have marked out a board (MDF), that will make the front of the house, with window spaces. Simply need to get those cut out and attach the panel.

I have also been working on the garden which will be a key part of the house. Had awful trouble with the soil. I had read that ground coffee is a great way to get the look but didn't realise it must be dried in the oven first. I ended up with a weird shiny looking bog area as opposed to a vegetable patch! However, the situation has been rectified through use of the innards of a few teabags (dried out of course!) and I actually think it looks even more authentic.

I will post some more pictures as soon as the facade is mounted. Then it is time to start focusing on the details which is the part I am looking forward to the most.

Cheers,
C.S.

The Journey Begins...

So, I have finally given in to the compelling urge to get a hobby. I have been writing with intense fervour and while I love that I do need a recreational pastime. I am, as are many in the same line of work, nothing short of obsessive and my new activity should see that compulsive side of myself satisfied. Since I was a kid I have admired and gazed in awe at the tiny world of miniatures. I wished that I could be a Borrower even for just a day. Now, as an adult it is safe to say that I am hooked.

I initially came across the work of Frances Glesser Lee (NB: The images in the link may be unsettling). This tenacious woman and self taught forensic expert created the gory dioramas to train police detectives. Her miniature crime scenes are still seen to be extremely useful tools.

I have personally come into contact with miniature experts such as Heather Aspinall. Her Practical Magic house just blew me away. I contacted this lovely lady and discovered that she made the entire thing from scratch! The attention to detail is just phenomenal. I would suggest taking a look.

Also, The Bloggess has curated an amazing spooky house with many items representative of horror and fantasy fiction. This lady has a great blog as well.

Anyway, for me the journey is just about to begin. My first project is going to entail the creation of a creepy townhouse made from an itty bitty bookshelf that had been relegated to the shed. In the future I am hoping to recreate scenes from favourite horror novels and movies. For now, this little unit is ready to be made into a mini house of horrors:

Wish me luck! More photos & updates will follow.