The Lakehouse: How a Project Begins

Many times I'm asked how I put all the designs together for a house. First, I make a Pinterest Board: 

 

You can put anything that catches your eye on this board.Sometimes I even go a totally different way then the first idea I had.  Before deciding on The Lakehouse I wanted to do a more modern structure. But after putting all these photos together on a board , it became clear to me that a different project was emerging.
Next, make a list of everything you want and need for this project. I also order things I will need like the lights http://www.modeltrainsoftware.com/mi.html.

Then I do a little gathering of some of the things I have to see an actual representation of the project. Seeing these items in front of me keeps me focused.
My next step is to cut out my walls.  I buy sheets of birch plywood at Michael's craft store:

I draw out my floor plan on what will be the floor. This way I can see if the layout works and if my furniture will fit.

I'm off to cut this out. I use a scroll saw now.  It's about a $70-$80 investment for a cheap one. I bought the Ryobi 16" variable speed scroll saw. What I like about it: it's easy to make straight cuts. What I don't like about it: making interior cuts (like inside a window where you can't come in from an outside edge) is a pain. You have to fiddle with a screw in a tiny place to get the blade off. And I have very slim fingers and it's still not easy. If you spend the $700-$800 on a scroll saw I hear that is not a problem and the saw blade easily pops in and out. 
I hope 2016 is treating all of you well. Great things are ahead. Believe it and know it.  I'm so happy you came over and spent a little time with me!
hugs♥,

Happy New Year!

Happy 2016 everyone!  I hope this new year brings all of you the best things life has to offer.  May you thrive and prosper, accomplish your dreams and have a few lovely surprises tucked in there too for fun.

You all have been such incredible support for me in 2015.  I truly do appreciate and cherish each and everyone of you!

Enjoy life. Love your family. Create tons of happy minis.

Go out there and wow the world in 2016. Happy New Year!

And Thank You God for all the wonderful blessings in 2015.

Hugs,

Caroline 

Merry Christmas

I want to wish everyone the merriest of Christmases!  

And I also want to take the opportunity to say thank you for all the support and comments throughout the year. I love you all dearly. Enjoy all the festivities, your family and make lots of new wonderful memories!

Big hugs,

Caroline 

La Belle Maison Custom Dollhouse

I call my new custom dollhouse "La Belle Maison." 

I designed and built this dollhouse from scratch.  It's 12"wide x 16 3/4" tall x 12 1/2" deep. 

I used wood I found at Michael's for most  of the structure. 

The siding is pine shingles and birch wood siding. 

I found a weathervane in the fairy garden department at Hobby Lobby.

To do the walkway, I applied a generous amount of white glue and patted down sand. This is candle filler sand. The grass is a moss mat(see my resources page for links). It comes with a sticky back. 

This side of the house is concrete. The base of the house is also concrete.

I made all the furniture inside. 

I looked at a Pottery Barn Kids bed for inspiration. For the bedside table I googled vintage nightstand and combined a couple of designs.

This dollhouse will be available in my Etsy shop: CinderellaMoments.etsy.com

Hugs,

Caroline 

Miniature Boiling Over Pot

I made a little discovery I thought I'd share with you.  I needed a little pot of soup to place atop my stove.  I decided to try something new.

The result was fabulous!

All you need is 1 ingredient: Original Gorilla Glue.

I filled the pot a quarter of the way and in about 6 hours it made this terrific boiling over effect in a bouillon color. 

It dries hard with those bubbles permanently set.  After I filled my pot a fourth of the way, I placed a spoon in it. I also put the steam at the same time. This is just pillow stuffing/filler. I used the end of a brush to make sure the "steam" touched the glue. I placed the pot on a paper towel just in case it spilled over too much while the glue dried. 

So easy! Give it a try. You are going to love the result!

Hugs,

Caroline

I'm Back!

After taking Lizzie and Gigie to the beach the first week of October, I finally moved to a bigger, dreamy house! I should be able to create galore here!  It's big, bright, new and all wood floors. God has blessed me beyond my expectations.  Happiness!!! :)

This is the massive wall of shelf in my office.  I used ikea white boxes on there.

I'm not quite done with my desk area yet. But I'm happy with the shelves! 

That's a house ready to cut out on my desk. 

The front window is massive. And the ceiling has beams.  I'm telling you, God went all out for me here! Everything on my list is in this house. Could only be from the good Lord.

This is the view from my office. It's a pond with fountain/park.  The yards are huge with big fences. 

I lived in a house I disliked for 5 1/2 years. But I stayed in faith knowing God was working on it. And boy did he deliver!

 My message is keep believing. Your miracle is on it's way. It may take longer than you want. But when it comes it will be incredible. Trust me!

I  already had plans for my next dollhouse. Here's a sketch.  So now that we're all settled I get to start the work. I gathered my materials.  For the walls I use birch plywood sheets that are 1/8" x 12" x 24". The foundation is bass strips that are 3/16" x 1" x 24".

I received gifts too!  Thank you Monica and Elena Nikitina!

This is Elena's gift:

 She sent me her new book. It's in russian. But the pictures explain everything. And it's soooo good!!

 Isn't this amazing work?

 Elena's adorable little bear! I have been in love with her little animals since she started making them. Now I have one!

 The bucket and pitcher are so cottage cute!

 Look at this tea set!

 Perfection!

My stash of gifts from talented bloggers is growing!  One day they will all be in one house. For now I'm keeping everything labeled in a box so it stays safe.  Thank you Elena Nikitina! Thank you Monica! Your gifts are so generous and beautiful. I'm the luckiest girl ever!
big hugs to all of you♥,