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Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Sweet Christmas Cottage - Last Room Completed

I surprised myself and whipped through the bedroom in record time! It was a fairly simple room to do, because I only had to make up a couple things. The rest were made ahead while working on other similar things, purchased, or made for me by talented mini friends!


I began last weekend making up a spray paint booth from an Amazon box, scrap of stair stringer and some wire. I needed to paint the pot metal bed frame from Phoenix Models. I'd show you photos, but after installing an iPhone update, five of my photos just disappeared. I'm grateful that was all I lost.


I sprayed several coats of black, then several more of ivory. Then sanded a few worn spots. Then I carefully painted the tiny wheels and castors. You could really do a lot of fancy detailing on this frame if you want to spend the time.


Next, I covered the frame board in fabric just in case you ever need to look under the bed. Then a made a dust ruffle and attached it.


Then I made a mattress out of foam board and batting, covering it in an off-white "fitted sheet"


I made all of the rest of the bedding from cotton fabric. All glue and no sewing, including the bed pillows. I didn't even have to pull out my machine! I left rubber bands on it overnight to help shape the sheet and comforter to the mattress.


I would love to shrink myself down and take a nap here for a while. I think it would be a good long time before anyone in our house discovered me here!


Did you notice the gorgeous hand embroidered pillows? They are the handy work of Kat from Kitty and Kat Miniatures! Aren't they wonderful! And they go so perfectly with the bedding fabric!



All of the little things on Jim & Ellie's nightstands were purchases, including the nightstands. There are some good Christmastime reads, alarm clock and pocket watch, glasses, hand lotion and some festive snowpeople.


The bathrobes are ready to wrap themselves into after a nice hot bath. Jim really gets into the season, and looks forward to wearing his Santa robe.


 and more Christmas gifts are waiting on the chair to be placed under the tree. The chair is a good old quick and easy Chrysnbon kit.


For now, Ellie and Jim have all they need to celebrate Christmas in their Sweet Christmas Cottage. Although middle of the night trips to the bathroom could be a little dangerous, Jim is an adventurous man and doesn't mind for now. A hinged stairway floor door is on his To-Do list for the future, along with a small dresser to store clothing.

You'll get to meet Jim and see Ellie again enjoying the season sometime during December. Speaking of December - be sure to stop by sometime December 1st. I have a few little Christmas goodies to give away to someone who needs a little challenge and a little love!

Back soon,
xo xo,
Jodi

40 comments:

  1. The room looks amazing and I’m so happy the pillows found the perfect spot.

    Those robes are adorable!!

    I keep thinking, if I had to get up in the right I would fall straight through the hole in the floor! Definitely would not wander without my glasses on!

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    1. Thanks Kat! Those pillows really make the bedding very special! :O)

      I know I'd fall right in - I have trouble just waking up enough to find my way to the bathroom and all I have to navigate is one dog bed! Oh well, tiny houses, right?

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  2. Oh it looks so cozy and comfy. I love all the little touches and that soft pink robe.

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    1. Thanks Sheila! Do you find yourself losing enthusiasm toward the end of a project, too? I need to have several going from now on, and really small ones in-between. Otherwise, I am going to be housing way too many unfinished dreams...

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    2. I totally do. Especially when something didn't take fire right away. I'm not nearly as enthused about my current project as I was about the last one. But I'm pushing myself to finish so I won't be irritated with myself.

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    3. Well I love your Craftsman build and you've made some really neat additions and changes to the kit! I wasn't really very inspired with it, and I hope the one for 2018 really speaks to me. Otherwise, I think I'll work on some smaller goals in between continuing with the New Orleans. Also, I have FINALLY made a decision about a new paint color for the Sugarplum and may just pull that down and work on it. We'll see what the new year brings!

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  3. You are very inspiring! Those robes are the best!

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  4. Thanks Carrie! It makes it so much more fun to share with people who really "get it"! You inspire me too, and your excitement is contagious in the best way! :O)

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  5. Hmm, I think I would like to be introduced to Jim. An adventurous man with kinky dress code, could only be fun. The bedroom is looking absolutely lovely!

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    1. Thanks Megan! Jim has soft facial hair, which I am drawn to and a twinkle in his lovely blue eyes. He's also a charming conversationalist and tells stories with a rare humor that evokes laughter from deep inside your soul. He's just a fun guy to be around!

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  6. Even though the building process is the best, it is exciting as well to see the result when all the ideas one had for this finally come together! Jodi, well done!

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    1. Thanks Marion! I have had fun seeing many ideas come to life in this project, and attempting many new to me skills has been a rewarding challenge. However, I do find myself losing enthusiasm with anything I do right about the three month mark. I need to remember this about myself, and have more than one interesting iron in the fire. And, maybe give myself more time to meet a deadline. Who knew making minis could reveal so much about your own character to ones self?

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  7. Your work is outstanding. I have only begun my miniature endeavor and hope to have such beautiful work as yourself.

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    1. Hi Patricia and thanks so much for the nice comments! I have had a look at your handy crafts and you are a very talented lady! Translating those talents into miniature construction and things should be a very exciting endeavor for you! I look forward to sharing your adventure too!

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  8. The bedroom is very cosy and inviting. The hand embroidered pillows are a great addition to the bedding. The colours match perfectly with the sheet.
    All the rooms have lots of details and items. This project has been very inspiring on the whole. My favourite room is the kitchen.

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    1. Thanks Sirkka! I really love your style, so your complements mean a great deal to me! I think the kitchen is the room I most dreamed about and poured my energy into. It is my favorite room too!

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  9. Would you care for a house guest?? I would LOVE snuggle myself there too - although with my luck the wheels of the bed would not be locked and I would end up on my rear on the floor (^^)
    Everything looks so cozy and inviting - I think I would take a peek of the books too see what they are reading..
    And those lovely Christmas gifts! My fingers are itching to shake them "a little" and grope the paper to see if there'e any little gaps to take a peek what's inside them... (I have my roll of tape on hand to cover the traces off my peeking *grin*)
    That little snowman on the nightstand is so adorable!
    What a perfect little place to spent your holidays :)
    Hugs, Irina

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    1. Irina you are welcome to come stay and play any time! I'll have your guest room even more cozy and the trip to the bathroom will be much less treacherous!
      Ellie's book is The Nutcracker, and Jim's is 'Twas The Night Before Christmas.
      You have reminded me of the excitement and mischief generated by all the lovely wrapped gifts under the tree before Christmas. It was almost torture to have to wait to see what was inside them! I confess I was brave enough and did sneak a peek by tearing a corner on a package when I was 13. :OP I was not clever enough to conceal my crime and my mom found out! Being a kid in trouble at Christmastime is the worst feeling in the world!
      I'm glad you like the room - come by any time! :O)

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  10. Hello Jodi,
    How wonderful. It looks so comfortable and the perfect place to lie in bed looking at the snow fall through the window. I really love the bedding you made. It looks perfect. the whole room is a Christmas dream and it fits the house so well. I love the fabric and color combination. You really got the Christmas feel, but did not clutter the room as I have often seen in themed rooms. Great work my friend.
    Big hug
    Giac

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    1. Thanks so much Giac! I am so happy you like the vibe there and would feel comfortable taking a nap or daydreaming. The room is so small that I could not put much more in there. You are right though - often less is more! :O)

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  11. You've created a wonderful bedroom with lovely Christmas details. I love the bed with the awesome no-sewing bedding. The robes are fantastic. It looks cozy and warm.
    Hugs, Drora

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    1. Thanks Drora! I love getting away with the No Sew stuff. I have discovered that I still CAN sew, but it is so intimidating to me that I find myself avoiding doing so. My poor grandma is in heaven looking down at me and telling me to get off my lazy butt and sew already! :O)

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  12. Great work Jodi. This is a really sweet little room.

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    1. Thanks Shannon! I was so lucky that it was big enough so that just enough fit!

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  13. Una habitación muy acogedora. La ropa de cama y los cojines tienen un bonito diseño. Loa albornoces parecen muy cálidos.

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  14. Hi Jodi! This little project has been so inspiring to me! I am dreaming of gingerbread house Christmas cottages!!! (Only maybe in teeny tiny scale at the moment!!) The bedroom looks so warm and cozy and just the right amount of decorated and practical! The phoenix metal bed is gorgeous... I want to get some of those someday! The embroidered cushions are perfect for the room.... as is the wallpaper and the bedding and the robes on the wall-hooks! And on top of it all, you are done with the cottage in time to enjoy it for the whole Christmas Season!!! Bravo for a project that is so successful!!!

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    1. Hi Betsy! It makes me so happy to know that it inspired YOU! Your tiny little Secret Christmas house is such a huge inspiration to ME!
      Thanks for the kind words about the bedroom - the Phoenix bed surprised me. It was a little softer and bendier than I was expecting. There is a guy in Montana that makes gorgeous metal beds for around $30, so I may go that way on a future build if I am still too lazy to try to solder my own! :O) Let me know if you'd like the link to his Etsy shop!
      I am so happy to have it finished to enjoy for the Holidays! I got it set up in the family room today!

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  15. Ugh! I'm soooo busy at work I'm missing all the fun around here! And how wonderful that you got it all done.. I've always loved that Phoenix bed, I've hemmed and hawed about buying one.. but you have pushed me over the edge, you've done a fantastic makeover on it. Your bedding is gorgeous.. as are the pillows, yours and Kat's, what a lovely gift! The accessories you have chosen for this room are truly delightful. :) I love the robes.. :D
    Right, I'm off to the Phoenix website... *whistles*

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    1. Thanks Sam! I'm glad you are off getting some goodies from Phoenix! All that hard work deserves a reward!
      It is so nice to have made it in time for the holidays! Now I have some time to make a few homespun gifts for the family! Then back to more minis! :O)

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  16. Hi Jodi! You made a very beautiful bedroom, very festive and unusual. I really like your beautiful bed and fine linens. Lamps are very beautiful. All the details are full of charm and holiday spirit. Hugs, Julia

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    1. Thanks Julia! I am happy and sad about it being finished. I really had a lot of fun with this project!

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  17. Hi Jodi! I have to say that your bed is PERFECT!!!! It has just the right amount of aging and it looks so darn inviting that I might have to quit nibbling on the candy in the flower-boxes and come inside and climb in! :D
    I LOVE THE BEDDING! The holly pattern, the pillows the KAT cushions and the holly wallpaper is Absolutely MARVELOUS!!! The photos of the bedspread remind me of crewelwork- the boldness of it coupled with the delicacy of the patterned wallpaper is a Delight to the eyes!
    I also love the robes hanging on the wall, although I hope that both Jim and Ellie are up to date on their life insurance before they go to reach for them! oh nooooooooooooooo!
    ;D

    elizabeth
    p.s. I do hope that you do an entire review of each room in your SWEET CHRISTMAS COTTAGE, PLUS another tour of the exterior before Christmas- a REALLY FABULOUS project Jodi! :D

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  18. Ha ha! You make me giggle Elizabeth! :o)
    I always look forward to your comments, as they are just like getting the best hug from an old friend!
    Thank you for the lovely and thoughtful comments! :)
    I will earnestly try to capture some decent photos of the rooms with Ellie & Jim inside. I am having the worst time with my lighting, and end up not using a fraction of the photos I take. Just have to keep learning and trying, and your encouragement makes me want to do so. So Thank You Elizabeth! You are truly a blessing! <3

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  19. I am a great believer in glue before stitching in this scale - it works well - lovely fabric and trim choices. Very, very lovely job Marilyn

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    1. Thanks Marilyn! I tend to get out the machine only when I have a big job or several of them in front of me! Thank goodness for glue!

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  20. Hi Jodi, The bedding is perfect. I thought it was crewel work as well until I saw the close up photo.
    It was brave to use such a strong colour but it works wonderfully with everything.
    I love the little casters on the beadstead.
    All the best.
    Janine

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    1. Hi Janine! Thanks for coming by - I am honored to have you!
      I am afraid I have never attempted crewel work, and am not talented with any kind of needle work at all! So I cheat often and whenever possible, lol!
      I am happy you like the pattern and color scheme - it is so much fun to work with such a whimsical theme and just let your ideas run away with you!
      I had to be very careful painting those tiny casters, but they really do give me such a tickle-y little joy to look at them! I am happy you like them too!
      Thanks so much for taking the time to post your thoughtful comments!
      Hugs,
      Jodi

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  21. Yeah, I'm going to need one of those bed kits! Your bedding turned out great, so comfy looking. The coats are delightful, and I love the tiny snowmen on the nightstands. Such a perfect room. :]

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  22. Thanks Brae! It was such a small space to work with, but I was able to get the essentials in there! I do love those Phoenix bed kits!

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