Heaven Sent

It's amazing how a simple hobby can change your life. Minis have always ignited something in me, but it was only in the last six years or so that I've been able to fully explore this passion. How can something so trivial fill up one's soul so much? I don't know the answer, I just know I've never done anything that excites me this way, and allows me to be so creative.

One of the most incredible aspects of being involved in this hobby is getting to connect with so many others who feel the same way. You don't need to explain minis to another miniaturist, they just get you. And connecting with so many kindred souls has been amazing. I have learned so much and been so inspired by others who, like me, are compelled to share every dream and idea with like minded and passionate people. One of the most incredibly talented and inspiring people that I've had the privilege to meet is Elizabeth Shinn. I'm sure you all know the stunning work that she shares on her own blog, Studio E.

In addition to being incredibly creative with things like turning everyday objects into works of art, using masterful crafting techniques and compounds to create incredible texture and age to things, and making amazing miniature food and flowers, Elizabeth is an extraordinarily kind and generous person. I am sure many of you have seen or been encouraged by  the numerous comments she leaves for others. She always takes the time to leave such thoughtful and insightful words. I look forward to her comments on every post! Because of that generous spirit, Elizabeth is one of my heroes in the miniature world.

So you can only imagine my excitement when I received a message from Elizabeth asking for my address! You see, she had made perfume bottles and thought I might like some for the cottage! Yes! Yes, please!

I retrieved my package this morning, and was gobsmacked by all the incredible things inside! Not just perfume bottles, but so, so much more!

I am amazed at the intricacies and detailed elements Elizabeth has managed to include on these bottles! They are truly beautiful, and I wish the camera could capture how some of them sparkle! I don't know how she knows just what to use and how to design them or manage to glue these tiny pieces, but they are perfect! I can't wait to display them in the cottage bedroom and bathroom! And there are so many!

These jars and tray and towels and soap are just incredibly delicate and pretty! The glass tray even has feet! Every little thing is embellished with something special, all in perfect scale and completely realistic!

Just look at the detail in this tray of cookies! It must have taken so much time to make each of these. They look so real, and incredibly delicious!  If I went to afternoon tea, I'd have to have one of each kind! I think these will be perfect displayed in the living room right next to the Ina Williams tea set!

I am getting so hungry just looking at these amazing foods! Look at the fruit on top! Who can do this? Elizabeth can! This combination of green and pink will look lovely in the cottage's kitchen!

And this one? Topped with chocolate and macaroons? This wouldn't last a day in my real life house! I have a special cake stand just for this one!

Elizabeth bought this pitcher for herself from an artisan in Italy. Because of it's colors (and her giant heart) she has passed it on to me! The flowers are made by Elizabeth, and are so realistic in color and texture that a good photo could fool you into thinking they are "real"! I am so excited to have them joined together in the cottage!

And last but certainly not least, she sent along some fabric that she thought might match the color scheme and wallpapers. She nailed it! Look forward to seeing cushions, pillows and bedding soon!

And most exciting of all, Elizabeth said that she's still working on Villa Leone, and in spite of some battles, will post some progress soon. I'm looking so forward to that!

Thank you so much Elizabeth, for your generosity, thoughtfulness, kindness and most especially your friendship. I value that above all!

xo xo,
Jodi