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Monday, September 30, 2019

Autumn's Pantry - The Grand Opening!

Well... It's finally here! October 1st, my (second) deadline, and The Grand Opening for Autumn's Pantry! I had such a fun time with this project, and it's a great feeling to have it finished! There are still a few little things rattling inside the project box, but nothing else will fit! I am so happy to have been able to incorporate so many fun fall ideas, and I think my real life trick-or-treaters will be delighted to see it Halloween night! I wish my background poster were double the size for your viewing, but please forgive...


Come on in! I'll catch you up on how I got to the finish line, and give you a daylight tour of the property! 


When we last left off, I had been working on the bay window display shelves. After that post I added some crates and pumpkins to fill in the floor area underneath.


Then I finished making flowers - Lots of flowers! There are single stems of zinnia, dahlia and sunflower available inside the shop, as well as ready made pots of marigold.



The shop counter has been outfitted with seasonal delights such as baked goods, fruit, candy and there's even a barrel of apple cider to help yourself to. Fiona knows... one sip and you'll be taking a bottle home!


Oh! I see Spooky has decided to come out and say hello! He spends a lot of time sleeping under the counter. He's saving up energy for all of the little Trick-Or-Treaters who will come by to pet him. He began life as an inexpensive resin figure. I glued on a little wool, repainted and glossed his eyes, and now he's a happy, handsome kitty!



More interior views...






Outside, the shop has undergone some major changes. First, I was going to add planters to either side of the door. Once I made a top lip and began to put bricks on them, the front door area felt too constricted. I opted instead to make it all brick with displays on either side. This still allows the front wall panel to come off nicely for access inside.



Front sidewalk with displays on either side with front wall removed.



With the front wall placed and the door open...


Front door closed...


Pots of sunflower, dianthus, zinnia, decorative cabbage, petunias, pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns and lots of fall leaves.


Lighted jack-o-lantern, bushel basket of apples, corn stalk, asters, zinnia, succulents and even a proud and sneaky dandelion!




The right wall of the shop gets a little weather beaten, but it only adds to the charm.


The left side of the shop has a little room for some fun landscaping.



On this side we have black eyed Susan, zinnia, sunflower, dianthus, sedum, chrysanthemum and daisy.



The old water pump is a little rusty, but still works great!






We're ready for business so Come On In!



Here's a few "dusk" photos... Just spooky enough to be fun!






Thank you one and all for following and encouraging me during this fun and colorful build! The next project is going to be a total 180 - I hope you'll come along on the journey with me again!

xo xo,
Jodi

53 comments:

  1. It's wonderful, Jodi! It looks amazing...just perfect for the season....I must say you nailed it! Bravo! --Erik in NW Ohio

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    1. Thank you Erik! I am so happy that you like how the project came out and I wish you could see it in person!

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  2. Absolutely stunning! I couldn't get enough looking at these awesome photos. This project turned out to be another of your masterpieces and deserves to be published in the best of dollhouses magazines for a huge number of miniaturists to see.
    Big hugs, Drora

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    1. Thank you, Drora! It was such an inspired project to work on, it just seemed like everything came together as though it were meant to be. I had nearly all the supplies and materials on hand as if some little elves had been planning it all along!

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  3. Wow! I'm speechless...everything is perfect.

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    1. Thank you, Faby! I am so glad to have your seal of approval!

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  4. ¡Wooo todos un espectáculo! es maravillosa todo la escena los elementos decorativos son para deleitarse una despacio y como estrella principal el personaje fantástico.Gracias por mostrarlo con tantas fotos, así poderlo disfrutar detalle a detalle, felicidades.Besos:-)

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    1. Gracias Rosa Maria! ¡Fue muy divertido organizar cada pequeño elemento y hacer que interactúen tan bien! ¡Me encantan los proyectos que tienen un tamaño manejable para que puedas disfrutarlos más pronto que tarde!

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  5. Da igual que la mires con luz eléctrica o del sol, la escena es preciosa. Tiene vida propia y dan ganas de salir corriendo a hacer algunas compras y no perderse la nueva apertura

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    1. Gracias isabel Sería una gran cosa tener una tienda como esta en la vida real, ¡pero tener una para disfrutar en miniatura sin toda la responsabilidad es una verdadera bendición!

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  6. I love it all lit up...it very warm and inviting. I'm sure Fiona and spooky will entertain hoards of trick-or-treaters.
    You did a wonderful job photographing and capturing all of its many charms.

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    1. Thank you Carrie! My phone camera is heading towards being four years in heavy use now, and I am beginning to see some degradation in the clarity. It may be time for an upgrade! I am so glad you enjoyed the photos and I just wish I was a better photo taker!

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  7. Oh it's so beautiful! So much to look at and it's simply gorgeous all lit up! Your Trick or Treaters will love it.

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    1. Thanks Sheila! There are so many decorating ideas that come with this time of year and so many great no brainer colors to use! The lighting plan was thankfully really easy this time and that made it a fun project to do!

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  8. Hi, Jodi - I'm amazed and impressed at the huge array of delectable goodies, home goods, Jack-O-Lanterns, and especially all the wonderful flowers - they look perfectly natural and realistic. The cider barrel is a fine touch, and I love the fuzzy kitty. The background is just right for Autumn 's Pantry, especially when shown at dusk. Yes, spooky! I will return to this post and just look and look - and never tire of it, and always discover something new. This is definitely a post to share with my grandchildren - they'll love it too, especially with Fiona greeting them with her big smile. This truly is a masterpiece, and you're to be congratulated on such a timely finish. I'm sure your trick-or-treaters are in for a special treat!
    Marjorie

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    1. Thanks Marjorie! I wish I could share it with all of you in person! Kids make these times of year so much more fun and special! I hope you get to enjoy the grandchildren often and I hope they enjoy the photos!

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  9. Jodi,el resultado de la tienda de otoño es maravilloso!! Exquisitamente decorada,cada detalle me traslada a mi estación favorita del año,con todos sus colores,sus frutos,sus hojas...de verdad que no sé expresar cuanto me gusta!!!
    Y Fiona con su cara bonachona y sus agudos ojos mirando desde el mostrador,decidida a buscarte aquello que has ido a comprar,es fascinante!!
    Realmente una obra de arte!!!
    Besos.

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    1. Gracias Pilar! También tengo problemas para expresar cuánto disfruto de lo que creas, pero si vieras mi boca en el suelo, ¡sería fácil de ver! ¡Estoy tan feliz de que te guste Autumn's Pantry!

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  10. WOW, WOW, WOW *standing ovation over here* Jodi, you did it again!! Your scene captures to perfection the essence of Autumn. Wow, I am in awe here, forgive me If I do not have enough words to describe how amazing I think your Autumn´s pantry is. Fiona looks in her right element, and her shop is simply wonderful, full of all sorts of marvellous treats. I am sure I will be back many times just to enjoy myself. Btw, those flowers are gorgeous!!

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    1. Thank you Alex! I am so happy that you like how the project turned out! You know how it is to have special ideas in your mind that don't always come out the way we had hoped. But this project seemed to lead me in the right directions and stop me before making mistakes like with the planters. It is wonderful to feel so inspired, and I hope there are more like it in my future!

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  11. Amazing, such talent, such skill. It is stunning and has been a great journey seeing it develop into a piece of outstanding art. So much detail. You really should exhibit your work, each project has been outstanding. Thank you so much for sharing

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    1. Thank you, Sylvie! I have to give credit to the guardian angels who whisper in my ear the great ideas and solutions because on my own I am hopeless! :O) For my part I just agree to keep trying and look at all the failed attempts as stepping stones on the path that leads to glory! Thanks for your lovely comments!

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  12. Every time I see one of your finished projects I think 'this is the best one ever' - here we go again...... It is aptly named 'Autumn's Pantry' and will 'disappear'as we head towards Christmas. It really is your own little Brigadoon - all that magic and wonder and loveliness and then 'Pouff' it is gone..... hopefully not for the obligatory hundred years though.

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    1. Thanks Marilyn! It felt as though a lot of magic things happened to make this project a reality! So many parts and pieces just came together in a kismet way! On the surface, I tell my children that whatever decisions or timeline they decide on for having kids is fine by me. Secretly, I think I do all this for them in the hopes that "someday" I can share the magic of every special season with them. Let's hope I am still around when they come, lol! I may just run an ad: Grandma For Hire - Has Nice Toys! :O)

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  13. This is truly magnificent. Your attention to detail is awesome. And Fiona is quite a character, turning to see her photo being taken! Now I want some cider. Can't wait to see your next project.

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    1. Thank you, Pat! I am so happy that you enjoyed the photos! Fiona was just meant to be part of this project, and is just one of many amazing things that came together to make it special. I am craving cider, too, and I hope my next project will not be disappointing after this feast for the eyes!

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  14. OMG! Autumn’s Pantry is worth the wait! You have such a knack for adding just the right amount of lush layers of detail. Such an inspiration.

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  15. Thank you, Sherrill! It makes me so happy that you like Autumn's Pantry! I really haven't had this much fun working on a project since I did The Tree Little Pigs Revenge!

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  16. AUTUMN'S PANTY -This reporters review:
    The Warm and Welcoming glow which emanates from within this Landmark Store; draws you like a beacon on a hill: attracting faithful customers from miles around- and for good reason too!
    It's the kind of legendary treasure which one always hopes to find when travelling a Vermont country road. It beckons, entices, intrigues and invites, whilst it weaves its magic around you ere you set foot in the door!
    The pumpkin- spicy aromas of nutmeg, cinnamon, maple and sweet cider; permeate the air upon approach. The crunch of fallen leaves underfoot and their cacophony of rich colours continue to set the stage.
    Fiona, the owner and proprietor of AUTUMN'S PANTRY (a semi-retired stage actress who occasionally still treads the boards in summer stock); has reputation for dressing in character; graciously posing for selfies with her black cat Spooky, and makes the entire shopping experience, a memorable Treat for both young and old alike!
    Fiona a talented reconateur, immediately welcomes you into her store, with a twinkle in her eyes and a story on her lips and before you know it, you've settled in with a steaming cup of hot apple cider in your cold hands; "one sip and you'll be taking home a bottle! " says Fiona. There's a story to tell behind each delicious jar of canning, preserves, baking and sweet smelling candles which are made by the locals: Who Knew that shopping could be so much fun?! :D
    Not to be outdone; AUTUMN'S PANTRY carries Award Winning floral bouquets, alongside baskets of Blue Ribbon produce; freshly harvested from a neighbouring orchard: it's enough to keep your eyes busy and your pocketbook open!
    Enthusiastic locals and tourists alike, go miles out of their way each year, to rumble up the road to AUTUMN'S PANTRY, and stock up on Fiona's county-made gifts for their city dwelling family and friends back home; plus a famous line or two from Shakespeare before you leave! ;D
    Without question; this shop's continued popularity is based on it's High Quality Merchandise, OUTSTANDING Floral displays and its owner's Personalized Service (she never forgets a name!)
    Definitely A MUST SEE Destination Location which I guarantee, YOU won't soon forget!

    AUTUMN'S PANTRY: open weekdays with Plenty of Parking
    5 Stars
    AND A Standing Ovation! :D

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    1. Ha ha! This is So ~A~W~E~S~O~M~E~ Elizabeth! ~T~H~A~N~K~ ~Y~O~U~!
      I think you have nailed it, perfectly!

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    2. Indeed a stellar story, for a stellar project! I can already hear Fiona shreek 'alas poor yorick' from Hamlet when somebody picks up a skull cookie or recite the witches prophecy from Macbeth 'Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and king there after...' as soon as someone ponder over a cauldron like object. :-)

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  17. It looks awesome Jodi! I am so impressed at your ability to try everything and persevere until a project is fully completed. This is such a great scene, and with the lights on in the semi dark, it is magical.

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    1. Thank you, Shannon! It's been a super fun one to work on!

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  18. Wow! This just so amazing! I think your little cat turned out beautifully! There are just so many lovely things about this project, so many delightful details (like the water pump for watering the flowers). Anyone would love to visit that shop. This for sure belongs in a miniature magazine, so that many people can enjoy the eye candy you've provided. Meanwhile, I'll be over to shop just as soon as I can figure out how to shrink myself (and my money) down to 1:12. :-)

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    1. Thanks Deb! Just think of all the places we'd visit if we could suddenly shrink ourselves! I'd be visiting all your builds, as well!

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  19. What a wonderful post! (*smile*) But I'm sorry having to mention this… you can't call this finished! No, never… the entrance door is still missing a "We're open - the witch is in"-sign! *LOL*

    But without any further bad joking… bravo, bravissimo! Autumn's Pantry turned out wonderful and I can only agree with the others, I hope some editors of miniature magazines will come around to publish it, this deserves to be admired outside blogland for sure. The amount of beautiful and well chosen details in- and outside of this shop are stunning and I'm really in awe with your storing supplies which seem never ending for all kind of purposes and projects. And I must say that I also admire the speed in which you're able to finish (well, except for the missing door sign of course *grin*) advanced and demanding projects like this. Seeing it now it's hard to believe that the base of all this stunning beauty were two simple small kits.

    It was a good decision to skip the planters and go for the all-bricks version, this offered you so much more possibilities to showcase your wonderful miniatures and especially the stunning flower arrangements. The bit of landscaping with all the leaves really adds to the charm of this shop and with the lights on it's pure magic. Speaking of magic, it's so lovely to see Fiona in her (almost) finished shop and I loved to meet Spooky. Please tell her the idea with the barrel is very clever... I can not imagine that anybody would leave without taking at least one cider bottle home.

    Somehow it's sad that this fabulous project is now done (well, almost *grin*) - but I can easily comfort myself with the thought of enjoying your next one. For now there's only one thing left to say: The Blog Oscar for best Autumn Shop goes to Jodi!!! And the Blog Oscar for the best comment on a blog post goes to Elizabeth!!! ;O)

    Hugs
    Birgit

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    1. Hi Birgit and Thank You for your lovely (and honest) comments! *Big Squeeze*

      To tell you the truth, I had planned to have a shop sign on the door, a Grand Opening and a Sale banner with letters printed on leaf shapes - it was even on my list! But, I was trying so hard to make my October 1st deadline, and the simple thought that they might actually block or detract from viewing the inside of the shop was all it took to put me off the idea altogether! I am such a pushover, lol!

      And the second. more important reason to leave them off was the fact that I committed myself to a Christmas swap which has to be mailed out by December 1st. My ideas for the swap items are for making things mostly new to me, and not knowing how many mistakes I will make trying to get things "perfect" was sufficient pressure to make me call the shop "good enough"!
      Not that I won't add them in the future, but once I move on to something new I never usually look back! We'll see!
      I am so happy that you like (the rest of) the shop and so glad that you like the landscaping and door area displays! It took such a long time to make all the flowers, but it is so worth the effort in the end if you can just will yourself to keep going!

      And Elizabeth definitely deserves an award for her article! She writes and humorously and as brilliantly as she creates minis, and I am so grateful to have her incredible words written here for posterity!

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  20. Fantastic! amazingly beautiful in every detail, all the flowers and pumpkins just everything is beautiful to see, great work!

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    1. Thank you Gonda! I appreciate your kind and encouraging comments!

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  21. Hi Jodi! I have fallen so far behind on reading and commenting! I have missed keeping up with this Awesome Fabulous Magical little shop!!! I love what you have done with the background views for your photo shoot... it looks so inviting! I just can't say enough how much I Love seeing Fiona in the shop... she is clearly Loving her job! LOL! And Spooky is the perfect kitty for this shop and for this season! (Also, I just Love black cats!) You have made so many amazing little pieces for this project... but I really love the work you did on your lanterns! I think I have a bunch of them somewhere... now I will have to "Jodify" them to make them light for real! LOl! Not to mention all the plants you made as well as all the treats and items for stocking the shelves.... you really know how to stock shelves!!!! (This is something I am Not very good at....You should look at all the empty shelves in all my houses!)The whole place is so warm and so inviting and so charming.... I completely agree with Elizabeth that it is a Destination that mustn't be missed! And I agree with Birgit that Elizabeth gets a Blog-oscar for her comment!!! I am also a little sad to see it finished... but now I am also finally feeling ready for Fall! I am sure Fiona's Magic Cider has had an effect on me! :):):) And I can't wait to see what you are up to next!!!

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    1. Thank you dear Betsy! I am so happy that you like how Autumn's Pantry turned out! With characters like Fiona and Spooky adding instant charm, my job was easy! I feel like you do - Where the heck did summer go and how am I going to catch up?!? With mom and dad here (dad was here twice) for several weeks time flew by and life was FULL! Elizabeth's review, like Elizabeth is AWESOME! Someone should hire her to rewrite all the news! I am glad you are beginning to embrace our inevitable and hope you find yourself enjoying all of fall's delights!

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  22. Wow Wow This shop is a masterpiece. Everything is so magical. I love all the wonderful items. I envy all the children big and small that see your amazing creation. Congratulations on this wonderful work.
    Hugs Maria

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    1. Thank you Maria! This was such an inspired project from start to end that I can only take credit for being the hands that followed the instruction! I'm so happy that you like it and wish I could share it in person, too!

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  23. As usual, your work is stunning Jodi! Scrolling through the photos and text I can almost hear your voice filled with excitement and pride. I hope the live trick or treaters have the sense to spend hours gazing at all the little details, I certainly know I would.
    You're right, the dusk photos are just spooky enough; they're my favorites.

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    1. Thanks Megan! It would be so much fun to share this project with you in person! Us mini nuts get thrilled by the silliest little things but are a rare commodity! I think I'll be able to identify the potential mini nuts in the trick-or-treater crowd by what they do see and say, and that will be fun! Might have to make friends and invite them over for craft time!
      Hope all is going well for you with your studies! Are you back at home yet?

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  24. Fantastic work Jodi ! that is really commendable : )
    I am also making small scale model tools which i have shared on my newly made blog page, can anyone suggest me the related bloggers page that have same interest in making miniature tools. Thanks

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    1. Thank you. I am not aware of any mini power tool blogs and I was also unable to see the videos as it appears they have been taken down by YouTube?

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  25. And here is the complete pantry !! It's so full of wonders that I really don't know what I prefer!
    Maybe pumpkins under the Bay window shelf?
    Or the flower pots? I love autumn flowers!
    Or the little dandelion that emerges without fear?
    Fiona is lucky because she works in a wonderful store!

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    1. Thank you Elenè! It has been such a wonderfully fun project to create!

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