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Thursday, March 26, 2020

The Freedom To Choose!

It’s been two weeks since my last post and you’d think I’d have made a ton of progress on the bakery to share with you. Especially,  since time has practically stopped! But alas, there is little here to show on the bakery for my time...


I did manage to get the ceiling papered, stucco'd and painted, the ceiling decorations attached and the lights installed. And I did attach the roof, fill gaps, install trim and touch up paint. Hey - I guess when I type it all out, it sounds like a lot, huh?



With what I'm about to share now, I know I might risk losing your confidence that I’ll ever finish a project. In my defense, I’ll remind you that after abandoning the New Orleans for a year and a half, only the landscaping remains to be finished. It took a while for inspiration to take hold again, but eventually, thankfully, it did.


I must also confess that it has been a little over a year since I ceased progress on the Storybook Cottage. It really is a shame that I can’t muster the inspiration to finish it, because I love it so much and it is ever so close! Only the bedroom and living room furniture and decor to go!


But working in the monochromatic bakery was beginning to become mundane. And there was nothing to keep me occupied while glue and paint were drying! There is still so much to do before I get to the fun parts - all of it more black and white and gray. It is fun to think of what I might do on the exterior, but...


With all of the worries in and for the world lately, I needed something more colorful to lift my spirits. I looked at my stash and thought "If the world might really end soon, I just have to see one more mini project come alive!" ;O)

And I know that there is not one miniaturist who is willing to die until every one of our mini dreams is realized. And God forbid we go with any unassembled kits remaining in our stash!

So I pulled down the Street Of Shops Two Window Shop kit.


I bought the whole SOS set back in 2013, and some of you may remember that I used the Bay Window Shop to house  Starbucks. You won't be surprised to know that it's not finished. I had plans to brick the exterior of all of the SOS shops and was waiting until they were all finished to do so. It's funny how my plans have changed over the years, and what used to be exciting plans for a wine shop has totally lost my interest. Here's how the poor Starbucks sits now, forever waiting to be completed. Look at all that dust!


And while I had no clear idea what I wanted the two window shop to be now, I  went through the wallpaper drawer, selected a piece of flooring and began to take measurements and sketch ideas on the instructions.



I found some lights and power in the stash...


And began to make some built in shelving with the Cricut...



And found a direction to go in...

Drawer Fronts with Dresden Embellishments and
Sparkly Drawer Pulls
 

Cut, installed and waxed the wood flooring...


Mirrored these cabinets and installed some lights...



And now, with no clearer idea what this shop will become, I'll start on trims. While glue and paint are drying, I'll switch back to the bakery. Or the New Orleans landscaping. Or the Storybook Cottage's furniture. Or start another new project... It's so nice to have choices, and the freedom to choose between them!

I pray that all of you are well, have all that you need, and that you have things to keep you happy, dreaming, and looking forward in spite of all that is out of control around us. God Bless, and keep on keepin' on!

xo xo,
Jodi

56 comments:

  1. It's so interesting to see what you have been doing these past two weeks Jodi, but I entirely understand your desire for a little colour ESPECIALLY at this time of year and under these stressful circumstances.
    Intense colours in the Spring isn't just for the benefit of creatures but also for its potent effect upon our human psyche, so switching to a new project where you're able to indulge in it without restraint sounds totally logical.
    The colours of the shelves is really lovely and from my end it looks either like the beginnings of a toy or a dress shop: either way the journey will become a welcomed adventure not only for you but for us as well- A pilgrim's progress.❤️

    elizabeth

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    1. Thank you Elizabeth! I imagine that your amazing garden is beginning to come alive with color and makes you want to be working there to bring out it's best - especially when the sun comes out! What a wonderful place to be when you're "stuck" at home!
      I am so glad that I do not have a deadline on any project and have the choice to work on whatever makes me excited! I still have no clue what the shop will become or even if I'll fill it up before moving on to the next kit! Scandalous, I know! 😋💕

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  2. Mi admiración Jodi por cada uno de tus proyectos, y mostrarnos de nuevo tus proyectos de Nueva Orleans y Storybook Collag tan coloristas ,perfectas para levantar el ánimo; pero también la elegancia de tu casa en negro. Tu nuevo kit de tiendas es precioso , lo veo como una tienda de ropa infantil. Cuídate,besos:-)

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    1. Gracias Rosa Maria! ¡Es bueno regresar y ver fotos del progreso que hemos logrado en otros proyectos complicados para alentarnos a que podamos lograr los actuales! Pero a veces debemos trabajar en algo que genere nuevas ideas y entusiasmo. ¡Me encanta la idea de una tienda de ropa para niños!

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  3. Same thing happens to me. I cannot continue with what I did and left it pending. Your new project looks great. I love the colors and I love the drawers' handles.
    Let's look forward to better times, and do only what we love and cheers us up.
    Take care and stay healthy.
    Hugs, Drora

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    1. That must be one of the traps of a creative mind - we have soo many ideas that the excitement carries us away before we complete the previous idea! Good thing it's not how we make our living! :O)
      I agree that we need to continue thinking that this time is only temporary and that we focus on finding all of the blessings within it!
      You stay well and safe, too, my friend! And go wherever your creative genius takes you! Hugs!

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  4. Finishing is overrated. I get it. At least for me, there are many challenges at the beginning of a project, but once the challenges have been met, the enthusiasm dissipates. The two window store is really cute and I’d say a perfect antidote to these uncertain times. Stay positive and stay healthy.

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    1. That's all so true and I think I am realizing that the building and bashing part of the project is the most satisfying for me. These Houseworks kits go together so quickly that getting involved in one doesn't have to feel like a major commitment, either! The quick to display projects really keep my interest and are a nice break between the BIG Ones! :O)

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  5. And I thought I was out of wack for not finishing projects. I had thoughts of buying Real Good Toys' new house, The New Haven, that replaced the New Port. I missed the sale last week waiting to see what my IRS bill would be and then wondering if I really needed another big house and wanting a Maker, but not wanting one. So I built a chicken coop. I am about finished with it and with all of the hand cutting my arthritic index finger hurts. So maybe the Cricuit wins. Anyway, I'm writing an entire blog here. I am excited to see what you will do with the new little shop--there are so many possibilities and I really cannot wait to to see sort of delicacies Pound Cake will be selling. Our state now has a Stay At Home order in place. I hadn't planned on going any where, anyway. Always love your work. Stay well.

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    1. Thanks Ann! I think almost all of my projects are still "In Progress" in one way or another, even when I have taken "Finished" photos of them!
      April 1st is the HBS Founder's Day sale where you get 26% off 1 item - it's THE PERFECT day to splurge on your new kit!!!
      Stay safe, well and creative, Ann! The chicken coop is amazing and the Cricut decision will come at exactly the right time! :O)

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  6. Jodi,te entiendo perfectamente! a veces,trabajar en un sólo proyecto,al menos para mi,no es suficiente,la cabeza se dispersa en nuevos temas,nuevos trabajos,y como siempre hay tiempo de volver a los anteriores,no es nada malo ir y volver sobre ellos.
    La inspiración y las ganas vienen cuando quieren,lo importante es disfrutar con cada pequeña cosa que hacemos!
    Me encantan como han quedado los techos!
    Y me ha gustado mucho ver tus anteriores proyectos.
    La nueva tienda misteriosa (ya se desvelará a qué se va a dedicar) tiene una pinta fantástica,me gustan sus colores y estoy segura,que volverá a ser una nueva maravilla entre tus manos!
    A seguir con salud,cuídate!
    Besos.

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    1. ¡Gracias por el aliento entusiasta, Pilar! ¡La creatividad y el entusiasmo por una idea es realmente la mejor sensación del mundo y creo que debemos aprovechar esas oportunidades tan a menudo como podamos! Mis pobres hijos tendrán mucho de qué deshacerse después de que me haya ido, pero les sirve para dejar la puerta del refrigerador abierta todas esas veces, ¡jaja!
      ¡Cuídate mucho, amigo mío, y disfruta de tu tiempo en reclusión!

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  7. Hi Jodi! First I am glad to see that you are well and in good spirits. From time to time I have to remain myself that this is a hobby and should make me feel good and not the opposite. Why? because some times I am hard on myself if I don´t accomplish certain things. I am a bit OCD and can´t start a new project if I have not finished the previous one. But, I am wrong!! there are no rules on this hobby, we can do whatever we please and that is a GOOD thing. So, do as you want Jodi and enjoy the ride. Let your inspiration lead the path, we certainly are enjoying every step. The shop look promising!!

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    1. Thank you Alex for your keen insight and encouragement! You are absolutely right! Some of us carry the weight of the world on us all the time and have to be perfect and spotless in all we do. But in miniatures we get to drop that guilt right at the craft room door and just be proud and happy of who we are and what we can do with our hearts and minds. That's a time to leave the rules and just let our spirits be our guide! Stay safe and enjoy your free time!

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  8. I do understand what you mean, Jodi, it's hard to stay focused in these troubled times. But you have some gorgeous projects in progress, so you have lot of choice in what you possibly can do when the mind is occupied with other things of real life. I like each one of your miniature gems you've shown us, and it's such a pity that they aren't finished yet. We all here would love to follow you making your miniautre projects.
    I also now and than loose my interest in things I do, but I've always looked for more variety in making miniatures. If I only would make flowers I would have gone nuts since long ;).
    Stay positive and stay healthy, dear Jodi.
    Hugs, Ilona

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    1. It's a reality check for sure, Ilona. We all ponder how we would react in a challenging circumstance, a death, a tragedy or a diagnosis of a scary illness. But nothing can truly prepare us but the event itself. I think I am absorbing the information coming across the news or FB, but then find myself needing a good cry a couple hours later. I think we all feel a lot more than we think we do, and even when we have not yet been sick, we are deeply affected by those who are. It's wonderful to have this amazing community and passion, because it allows us to wonder away from the reality for a spell and remember that life is still wonderful. Stay safe and well, my friend!

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  9. Oooh love the 'smellies' shop - yup whatever it becomes, for me, it will be the shop stuffed full of perfumes and bath treats, creams and lotions.... Seriously whatever its destiny it will be another wonderful Jodi creation even if it never gets absolutely finished 🤣 Honestly I am on project six (??) and never finished one absolutely and have discovered the dragging my feet point with this one. That's not so great as this is supposed to be my absolute last one. I love the planning and kitbashing and building, some buying of nice things and then 'playing' with it fast loses its charm for me.

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    1. Thanks Marilyn! I am always trying to find the reason why I get so close to finishing and can't quite get there. My easy answer is boredom. The truth is probably a little more complicated and I probably don't want to know it! :O)
      I LOVE the idea of a perfume and cosmetics shop - it would be the perfect size for it! If I can just get the structural stuff finished and outfit the inside with all of the counters and shelving I'll be satisfied to leave it sit for a while until the next phase seems exciting!
      Maybe you need a greenhouse or garden for Dalton House? It's technically still the same project, just expanding the grounds a bit?
      I hope you are staying well and that whatever bug you wrote about last time did not turn out to be a bad one!

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    2. Apparently not finishing comes from a fear of failure or success when judged on the outcome. Why anyone should fear success I have no idea..... Still got the flipping cough but I keep on keeping on and that will do for now. If I expand Dalton's grounds I will have to move out. 😂

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  10. Es increíble tu capacidad de crear nuevos y fantásticos proyectos.
    Lo que has hecho hasta ahora es precioso, y estoy deseando ver nuevos avances.
    Cuídate tú también.

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    1. Gracias Eloisa! ¡Estoy muy contento de que te guste la nueva tienda y pueda entender la necesidad de hacer algo diferente! Mantener a salvo y bien!

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  11. Half the fun of a hobby is doing what you 'want' with it and not what you think you 'should' do. My first thought when I saw the new shop was a florist shop. But I'll bet you come up with something better.

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    1. Thanks Sheila! I knew I could count on your support! :O)
      I love the idea of having a florist shop, and even have the beginnings of two of them that I started a four years ago. One was going to be for me and then a slightly smaller version was going to be for my mom. Then, she unexpectedly bought a house in Arizona and told us she was downsizing and didn't want to take a bunch of crap with her. The flower shop idea was nixed at that point. She did keep the giant beach/lamp house I made for her but now I feel guilty that I saddled her with it! :O)
      I also have a flower cart kit and always think of doing that project - until I remember spending an entire month just making flowers for the Storybook cottage. It is a HUGE commitment, only slightly more monotonous than making hundreds of books for a book store. You know that commitment all too well, lol!
      Hope you're staying safe and have all you need to ride out the virus!

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  12. It's your thing, do what you wanna do." Amen!
    No need to explain it, I totally get it. I enjoy whatever project you share with us. (((hugs))))
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqc_EhmL8-E

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    1. Ha ha! Thanks, Carrie! That was great! I'll be singing that song in my head from now on, every time I stand and ponder in front of my hoard!! :O)

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  13. Oh, Jodi - I just love you!!! You make me realize I am not alone. On one of my recent posts I talked about going through, project by project, to finish those little things that never seem to come to an end, not to mention those that have BIG things yet to finish. Instead, I am spending day after day trying to get my craft room organized. Wow, what a chore! I would much rather be doing minis!! Thanks for sharing all your wonderful work, Jodi. I check often to see what's new and you never disappoint!!! - Marilyn D., Charminis

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    1. Thank you Marilyn! You are not alone! I think all of us who sparkle when we make minis can relate to NEEDING to try everything and being at the mercy of our amazing ideas! :O) Unfortunately, one of the side effects is a cluttered and overflowing creative space! I wish you Godspeed in getting it back to an organized chaos (if it's in a drawer it's clean, right?) so that you can get back to making magic once again!
      Stay safe up there and keep on creating!

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  14. I do the same thing. I go here. There. Everywhere. And then start all over again! I love your posts. I'd like to work with you on one of your projects over an entire weekend workshop. Amazing!

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    1. I'm in great company then, Pat, and you have an open invitation to come hang out and make minis with me whenever this social distancing thing is behind us! If it lasts too long, we may just have to start a video conferencing FaceTime weekly chat and mini session! Wouldn't that be incredible!!!

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  15. Nunca he tenido tantos proyectos en marcha pero debe ser divertido.

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    1. ¡Parece que no puedo evitarlo y los contraargumentos no tienen peso conmigo! ¡Es divertido ahora, pero puedo vivir para lamentar mi decisión!
      ¡Quédate bien Isabel!

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  16. What a wonderful post! ;O) And thank you - I'm always happy whenever I can learn new terms in English. So today I've learnt that "there is little here to show on the bakery for my time" means in fact "I've made so much stunning progress and achieved so much that I have any reason to be proud of myself!". *grin* Honestly, I'm in awe with the things you've accomplished on that fabulous bakery project... mostly because these are tasks that are not my favorites and I'm a pro in finding excuses and reasons for doing other stuff instead.

    Anyhow, the only thing I really don't like about our hobby is the finishing part. Really, could there be anything more boring and frustrating than a project with a "Done - I'm finished"-label on??? From that point on it will just be standing somewhere and will have to struggle against dust... So according to me (and it's a relief to read here that all of us are thinking the same way) there's no need to excuse for abandoning projects and even starting a new one. But if you'd ever need an excuse for that you could still blame it on having too much creativity. ;O)

    This new shop turned out awesome and I'm once more full of admiration how fast you're doing all of this. (Yes, there's no way to deny it... my speed modus is "snail" *sigh*) And whatever this shop is going to become... you have all options too choose. And who knows... perhaps this would even be the right option: Calling the shop "Anything goes" and filling it with a wild creative mixture of everything you have at hand and all sorts of themes. But it doesn't matter which option you're going to choose now and which project will be the one you're going to dedicate your time to... whatever it is I'll be here to enjoy it in your next post! ;O) Have fun and take good care of yourself!

    Hugs
    Birgit

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    1. Thank you dear Birgit for your enthusiasm and encouragement! It feels from my end that I have wasted so much potential mini time over the last couple weeks just being glued to the news! And also in stunned immobility! But it helps me to know that you think I did a lot! :O) I have been cooking and baking a lot, because we have also been eating a whole lot more!!! And as for doing other things, I can relate with that, too!
      I LOVE your philosophy on finishing things! What is the point? To leave them abandoned and collecting dust like poor old Velveteen Rabbit? If they are still in progress, there is still hope that they can become all that is possible for them to be!
      Be proud of your pace. A snail to me is a great thing to be! Snails are beautiful and they remind us that there is so much more to see on our journey if we can just slow down. Be proud of being a snail and for showing all of us what marvelous things can be achieved at a snails pace!
      As for the shop, because my ideas have ended at the shelving, it may never be more than an empty space with a For Lease sign on the door. :O)
      You take good care and have fun, too!!! Hugs!

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  17. The bakery looks very nice, beautiful windows, cupboards, floors and lamps. And now something else again a new store but one with color, also beautiful wall cabinets.

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    1. Thank you Gonda! I am glad you like the progress on the bakery and the cabinets! It is so much fun to see ideas come alive!!! Stay well!

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  18. Dear Jodi, when talking about a Need for Color, and an Urge to make a New Project, you will get Nothing but Nods from Me!!! :):) I can't tell you how much I love to see others jump from project to project... it makes me feel so much more normal! LOL! And then there is always the Excitement of new pieces, new ideas, new techniques to mess around with! The farther we get into our projects, the more They tell us what to do.... this can be a little daunting at times.... and so no wonder we flit away to the next blossom so to speak! I will never be able to work any other way.... and I have many times come back to a project after working on a different one, with a whole new ability and do a better job as a result! So follow your Heart... make Spring come alive in this lovely little boutique... I know you will figure out "what" it offers.... but it has feminine written all over it! LOL!
    Be well, revel in your mini creativity, I love to see what you are making no matter what! :):):)

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    1. Thank you for your encouragement, Betsy, and for being a kindred spirit that must have a try at all her ideas, even if they sit and wait their turn while new ones to begin! I am proud to say that we must share some aspects of our DNA with one another and other creative souls! Your whimsical ideas for projects and ability to let the creativity take you wherever you feel inspired does encourage all of us to listen to our hearts and not our heads when it comes to minis!
      Feminine feels so right, right now! And can we all still enjoy the wonders of spring in spite of the world being so abnormal around us? We all must commit to saying "Yes!" and being grateful for and basking in all the goodness and blessing that still abound around us! Your advice to revel is so perfect, and I hope you will do the same! Be well, dear friend!

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  19. La panadería me tiene enamorada desde el minuto uno, pero este nuevo proyecto......se ve tan espectacular, esas estanterías son impresionantes, l color, los tiradores, sensancionales.
    No importa de que rellenes esas estanterías, tal cual están, ya son maravillosas.
    Necesito /quiero ver mas avances.
    Un fuerte abrazo y mucha mucha salud.

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    1. Gracias carolina ¡Es una bendición poder seguir nuestros caprichos en este glorioso pasatiempo nuestro! Eleva mucho el espíritu y en este momento incierto nos mantiene mirando hacia adelante. ¡Estoy tan feliz de que te guste el progreso de ambos proyectos! ¡Mantente seguro y saludable y crea un querido amigo!

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  20. I completely understand your need to take a break and work on something else. Everything feels so unsettled. Anything that will inspire you and bring you some relief from the real world these days is OK in my book. While I love watching the progress of all your projects (and do miss the Storybook Cottage a bit 😊), it is also fun when you start little one-offs, like the half-scale chocolatier and Autumn's Pantry. This new shop is so pretty and spring-like! And, of course, your cabinetry is spectacular!

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    1. Thanks Deb! I find I am just having a hard time getting started so I hope one of these projects will start to get me doing something soon!

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  21. In my last comment I referred to the boxes with kits and now you have started on one of them. I almost feel guilty. Speaking of guilt, why would you feel that? Starting another project is not the same as abandoning those that are not yet finished.
    Furthermore if you don't act on them you could be in danger of losing the idea altogether. I'd say you are blessed with the wealth of choices in project that can start or have started already.
    B.T.W. The Starbucks gathering dust? If you permit me the levity in these times, I'd say that is a very realistic portrayal of a Starbucks. ;-) but you may need to dust it off when normal life can resumé its course again after we have beaten this nasty virus!

    Take care and stay safe.

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    1. Thanks Huibrecht! No guilt allowed and as much levity as possible!!! Here's to beating this virus and getting back to being inspired by frivolous mini adventures again soon!

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  22. Oh my goodness! I just love your Storybook Cottage!! So pretty, I would so love to live there! You brightened my day with your beautiful cottage.

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    1. Thanks Deb! I'd love to have that little cottage to hide away from the world in once in a while, too!

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  23. Wow! I admire you! You are a cyclone of ideas that turn into beautiful creations. The new shop is interesting and the first progresses are already promising.
    Stay safe and well, dear friend.

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    1. Thanks Faby but I must tell you the truth: I am finding it so hard to get started on anything this week and can't seem to pull myself away from the news. Also staying in digital contact with friends and family! More minis soon, I hope! Stay safe!!!

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  24. Oh, I understand you very well! Sometimes I work so much on a project, perhaps with too much passion, that in the end I almost hate it! Then I know that I have to stop, put it aside and do something different. Creativity needs freedom, especially when looking for inspiration. Otherwise it is only execution, not creation!
    Obviously this project also looks fantastic, and I think it could be a beautiful haberdashery shop, full of ribbons, threads and lace!

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    1. Thanks Elenè! It is so sad to be so fickle but what can we do? Our hearts and minds want what they want and there is no joy in forcing mini creative time! Keep safe and well Elenè!

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  25. It's surprising how much time can be taken up with the filling in, tidying up, and finishing of certain little parts and I can see how you would be craving a bit of colour. So what if some jobs aren't finished! This new project is lovely and so full of promise. I also very much liked your little collages, that's a great idea.

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    1. Thanks Irene! I am having trouble knowing what to do next on all of these projects so instead I bake, text with family or watch the news. I hope I feel inspired to do something soon, as I feel I am wasting valuable mini time! Hope you are inspired and staying well!

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  26. Wow wow wow all those projects we say your becoming eyes to short to see everything beautiful... and so it is a read and look at the amazing foto's over and over again!
    Thank you for endless inspiration!
    Have fun be safe and stay healhty,
    groetjes van Marijke

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    1. Thank you Marijke! I hope you continue to have fun with your wonderful lantern project and that you stay safe and well, too!

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  27. Jodi, you have such an amazing talent! And that can't be contained in one project! LOL! I love everything you're doing and am so inspired to continue on with Pennethorne Manor. There's still so much to be done!

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    1. Thank you Teresa! I am so strongly driven by a need to see mini ideas come to life that I don't spend time worrying about not having the skill to do it. I just plow forward and rely on being able to find solutions to get myself out of the corners I have painted myself into, lol! You have this kind of passion in you, too, and your work shows it!

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