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Friday, January 25, 2019

It's Tea Time!


Before I share some photos of the Storybook Cottage's completed kitchen, I want to mention that I have an iPhone 6s Plus which is my only device for taking photos. It is over 6" tall and 3" wide. Some of my favorite shots are the ones I manage to take through the doorways. This has become much easier since our clever friend Keli recommended getting a Bluetooth Selfie Stick with a remote shutter control. This makes it so all you have to fit into the confined spaces of a dollhouse is the camera on the stick, and not your giant hand. I find it nearly impossible to hold the camera with one hand and somehow press the shutter button with a finger of that hand while still keeping the phone steady and seeing the display to know what you are shooting. This bluetooth device removes the need for that acrobatic feat. Having said that, I still find it difficult to get enough light into the rooms to take photos without creating annoying shadows. This gloomy time of year it is even more challenging. So please forgive me some of the photos - they are literally the best I can do. :O)

These shots are looking through the dining room door into the sink's bay window. I have added the herbs in their cute little pots and a few teapots and things. There's a copper overhead battery powered light, and you'll notice, no window coverings. I decided if I can't decide it's best to make no decision at all!  Though I do reserve the right to change my mind! :O)



Going around the kitchen counter clock wise...


Scattered around the room are various Valerie Casson tea pots. See if you can spot them!






 

Teresa Welch - The China Closet
Ina Williams Tea Set





Elizabeth of Studio E
Mike Sparrow Tea Strainer

Janice Crowley Tea Set

Veronique Cornish Tea Set

Victoria Fasken Tea Set
Mini Gio Pot Holders
Ann Giling Pot Holders
For the center island hanging pot rack, I took a common utensil hanger and added chain so that our little lady can reach the copper cookware (Jason Getzan).


The little crochet market bag is made by Ann Giling. It's a small wonder! The crock is Alex Meiklejohn but I'll not mention where I bought it so as to save you from what would likely be a very bad experience.



In this photo I have added the hanging gadget chain. These were pot metal minis painted to match the kitchen's color scheme. Each one is hung on the chain with a tiny jump ring. With a small kitchen and an owner who loves to cook, space saving ideas are always welcomed!


Here I've added the copper battery powered hanging light fixture.





Here is the center prep table with the extra shelf I needed to add. There were just too many wonderful little things for the kitchen, and one bottom shelf wasn't enough!



As you can see, our little tea loving resident also has a sweet tooth! The cake in the back left is made by Elizabeth of Studio E and my photo simply does not do it justice! It looks delectable and is so well done I literally salivate every time I see it!



The frosted bundt cake, slices, frosting and muffins are made by Kim's Mini Bakery and the details are incredible!


Here's the little teacup shelf which is still waiting for it's apron. I have some little trims coming and I'm holding out until I have them. The two kind of largish cups and saucers are from Twelve Times More Tiny, The adorable pink mouse and strawberry teapots are made by Megan, the pink and green teacups and saucers on the middle shelf are the Chrysnbon ones I applied waterslide decals to, the bottom left is Keiser from Keli and the bottom right is Reutter. That gives you an idea of the range of sizes we encounter out there for 1/12th scale.



So that is the kitchen, and though I have left a few tiny spaces for future treasures, it is mostly done. I was a little hesitant at several points in this project about going shabby, girlie overload, but all I see now when I look at it is a fulfillment of my dreams and a place I plan to visit very often!


Now that I've got my mirror straight, and added the key into the lock as Marilyn so astutely suggested, here are a couple new photos of the hall tree/coat rack.



Lady figure by Kay Lewis
I hope you enjoyed your tour and that you'll stop by for some tea and treats any time you're in the neighborhood!

xo xo,
Jodi

62 comments:

  1. Ouch, my teeth are a aching from all the sweetness! Seriously, I need some homemade bake goods and a cuppa pronto! It is lovely Jodi! There are so many fabulous details....you have out done yourself. Can't wait to see the rest.

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    1. Ha ha! Me too Carrie, but it won't stop me eating them!!! :O)
      And Thank You! I am so happy you like everything because sharing is almost the best part!

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  2. I love this kitchen so much! Do not worry about going overboard on the shabby/girlie; all the elements just work together so well, and you have created a pretty, cozy, welcoming space. There is so much eye candy I could look and look at all your pictures, and each time see something new. And with all those delicious treats (the crumb on that frosted bundt cake is amazing!), I am definitely coming over for tea. ;-) Also, love the little figurine you found for your hall tree.

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    1. Thanks Deb! It has been so much fun to indulge in this style, and I get tickled every time I peek inside! I think some part of all of us likes this style, and though we couldn't live with it all the time, it's fun to have a dollhouse in the style! If you ever get the chance, look up @pinkinparadise on Instagram. She does live in a pink paradise and it's amazing!
      You are welcome for tea, talk and treats any time!

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  3. It's so pretty. I can't stand it! The Hall tree is perfect and your kitchen... I don't know where to look first. It all flows so well!

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    1. Thanks Sheila! It's so much fun to find pretty, pastel and shabby things when you're planning a project like this! It's even more fun to be at the point where you can get them out and enjoy them! I'm loving it, too!

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  4. The perfect showcase for all these gorgeous treasures! I intend to pay more than one visit, it is impossible to absorb the eye candies all at once. Thanks for sharing the photo tip. I love the photos and still think you are a genius photographer.
    Hugs, Drora

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    1. Thank you, Drora! I am so happy that you enjoyed you look and hope you find the same joy on subsequent visits! It always takes me several looks to appreciate all the detail, too, and it is so much fun to be delighted with new discoveries! And thank you also for liking my photos - I try my best with what I have but that is quickly falling behind the technological times! :O)

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  5. Drinking tea has never been so pleasurable as when it is sipped and savoured inside your cottage kitchen.
    I am glad that you've decided to leave the windows bare especially since your herbs will THRIVE with the natural light pouring in and the view of them on the window sill from the doorway is Excellent! :D
    In fact- each and every accessory be it china, food or kitchen ware, has been lovingly and artistically displayed, and harmonizes with each other to PERFECTION-it's a total Eye Candy Explosion!!!
    You Jodi, have made a kitchen any "girly girl" would be PROUD to own, settle in, and call it HOME! ❤️
    Well Done!!! :D

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    1. Thanks Elizabeth! If you say leave them bare then I leave them, as you are the E.F. Hutton for miniatures in my book! :O) These are my favorite kinds of herbs: Ones I can't accidentally kill!
      I am happy that you like the photos through the door and the arrangement of the treasures I have found. My inner girly girl is having so much fun, especially since when I was a girl I was generally found on the baseball field or at the skating rink. Dollhouses and girly stuff are a passion I had to be grown up to appreciate! :O)

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    2. You can certainly tell that this entire cottage is mini wish fulfillment Jodi! And not just for you but for so many others with an "inner girly-girl" as well! :D

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  6. Just glorious as well all knew it would be. What a lovely project to visit again and again, far too much to take in on one visit for sure. Get the kettle on, I will be back for a cup of Jodi blended tea...... and cake, if you insist.

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    1. Thank you, Marilyn! And I do insist! Life is short and we need to eat cake like we are making up for all the lost time dieting when we were young!
      I am so glad you like the kitchen and hope you enjoy it each time you visit!

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  7. bright colors for splendid accessories!

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    1. Thank you, Claude! Pink and green have always been a favorite combination, though I haven't had the chance in miniature until now to play with them!

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  8. Oh Jodi it's sooo beautiful! And so many perfect little treasures placed exactly in the right spot. I am still in transit with my littles packed up so your blog has helped keep my heart happy. Along with Eliz Studio E for sweaters at Christmas, I have managed to keep my creative side under control but with the desire to do when settled. You are extremely gifted. Thank you for sharing��

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    1. Hi Judy! Thank you for your nice comment! You are very kind! I am so happy to hear that while your treasures are off limits, you are still finding ways to connect to that mini joy! And when that long awaited day comes, I hope you are bursting with inspiration! I know how hard it is to wait!!!

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  9. Aww Jodi the little herbs look fantastic in their new home on the window sill! And gosh do those new appliances ever look perfect! I love the accessories you’ve sprinkled throughout, especially the prep table! 
Your photos look beautiful, and I love the backdrop of the pink cherry trees. That selfie stick is really a fabulous idea! I can relate to the weather playing havoc on my photos this time of year too. I can’t remember if I have suggested this before, but I highly recommend getting a reflector off of Amazon! It bounces light into the spaces beautifully. They’re only around $20. I’m happy to send more details if you’d like, this is one similar to what I have: https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-43-inch-Collapsible-Multi-Disc-Reflector/dp/B002ZIMEMW/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1548553508&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=reflector+with+stand&psc=1

    Thank you for the wonderful tour this week!

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    1. Thank you, Kristine! The photos take a lot of editing in the Windows program to make them brighter and less shadow-y. Thanks for the link to the reflector! I will definitely add them to a future gift card purchase! I am happy you enjoyed the tour!

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  10. ¿Quién puede resistirse a una invitación como esa?¡La cocina es tan acogedora!
    Me encanta la cantidad de piezas que tiene.

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    1. Gracias isabel Ha sido muy divertido recopilar y hacer las cosas que le encantarían al propietario, y estoy muy feliz de que también te gusten.

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  11. Es fantástico como sacas las fotos, se disfruta cada detalle que has puesto, me encantan los tonos , hace un ambiente muy cálido, felicidades por este gran trabajo. Buena semana:-)

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    1. Gracias Rosa Maria! Me encantan los colores suaves y porque el papel tapiz de flores tenía muchos tonos rosados ​​y duraznos, ¡fue fácil encontrar colores que combinen! ¡Me alegro de que te gusten también!

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  12. Ooooh-La-La, Jodi, What an amazing kitchen!!! I think the whole thing is Delicious!!! The window with just the herbs is so lovely to look at... it probably shouldn't be covered up... and the view from the dining area is particularly sweet, especially since it is not easily viewed in RL! It is amazing what pictures can be taken from a slim phone... I still have a chunky camera that won't fit in anywhere. I can hardly believe how many treasures you have placed in this room, but you've done it in such a natural way.... but carefully thought out and with a good eye for companionable arrangements.... everywhere you look there are details to feast on! And not just those incredible cakes! :) You have an awesome collection, and what better way to show it off than in a showcase cottage like this one!!! I'll be over for tea every afternoon.....! :):):)

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    1. Thank you Betsy! It is true that many of the angles of the inside will only be able to be seen from looking through the windows, so it is probably better that the owner leaves them bare. It must be ten times harder to get inside photos with a real camera instead of a slim phone as you said. I gave my digital camera to another miniaturist who had nothing and I forgot what a struggle that was!
      I am so happy that you like the arrangement and the minis I've made and collected for this project! That was one of the best parts, and being able to finally display them has made me so happy! It seems like forever from the concept of a project until you get to this very special phase!
      I'll look forward to surprising you each afternoon with another delicious tea blend, culinary delight and topic of discussion! :O)

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  13. If there was a contest for the most fabulous kitchen, I have no doubt yours will be in the top 3 list. Wow, wow, wow. Everything is placed on a perfect spot. It´s so well coordinated, well though, and full of eye-candy corners and objects. Those herbs by the windows, the working table, the perfectly filled shelves. In one word, FABULOUS!!

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    1. That is so lovely of you to say, Alex! Thank you! My little kitchen was inspired by elements of all of my favorite kitchens - mini and real life, and creatively using the space I had in this challenging kit has been fun! Making the cabinets to fit the accessories and the space was also a challenge but one that was very rewarding. I have left all the things attached with Tacky Wax so that if I came across artisan pieces in the future I could change them out or replace them so that I can enjoy the space well into the future. I am so happy that you like what the kitchen has become!

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  14. Hello Jodi,
    AMAZING! Your kitchen is so beautiful and welcoming. You have accessorized it perfectly. I was looking at the pictures and your work reminds me of the roomboxes of Brooke Tucker. Every little item is so well thought out and well coordinated. I love all your accessories but the bowl from Teresa Welch is magnificent. I am having a hard time choosing my favorite shot. I think the one of the sink area really warms my heart. The hall tree came out fantastic. I am so impressed by your work.
    Big hug
    Giac

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    1. Thank you so much, Giac! It makes me happy that you like my humble home! :O)
      I am sorry to say that I have not seen very much of Brooke Tucker's completed work, mostly just her pieces, but will definitely go have a look now! I grew up loving Laura Ashley and notice that is where I tend to gravitate in terms of style for my real life home and in the mini homes I love.
      The Teresa Welch is my favorite piece, as well. It is extraordinary how detailed, and perfectly detailed she can make such a delicate piece! It is such an honor to have and enjoy pieces in my cottage of the many incredible artisans out there!
      The hall tree was so much fun to make, and I am learning so much about what you can use for detail! It's exciting to dream up new things, and I only wish that I could paint Like Maritza! Maybe someday...

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  15. I'm sorry having to say this but this left me a bit disappointed in the end... honestly, Jodi... no waffles in a Hippler-house??? Not even a waffle maker??? Haha, excuse me, I could not miss this bad joke - now in all honesty: This post was once more a feast for the eyes! And I really enjoyed this little game of "Find the masterpieces in the scene". You've arranged so many of these outstanding pieces in such a lovely way by using every bit of space (another shelf for the table, perfect decision) without ever making it too crowded and stuffed. And there are so many tiny details - like Drora already mentioned, all of this doesn't show up by looking just once at the pictures. For example this cup of tea in preparation with the lemons… so cute. And what a look out of the bay window now that the herb pots are in place - how could one ever call this sink area a working space… in a location like this even cleaning the dishes becomes fun (well, as long as you're able to look outside the window *grin*). And according to me there's no need to fear about this being too girlie… I'm really not into pink and girlie but when I built Flower Cottage I had to deal with this (the things I do to make my bearies happy) and I learned my lesson - when it comes to pink and girlie and pretty there's no need to fear any overdose. ;O) Oh, and not to forget - the hint about adding the key was a great one - and this figurine looks stunning at your hall table.

    Hugs
    Birgit

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    1. Ha Ha! You are right to be disappointed, Birgit! There are so many great ideas that one has to let go of when working in miniature for lack of space! I think that is why most of us end up doing 15 projects instead of one big dollhouse! But I solemnly swear, one of the next projects I have planned will have a waffle maker, waffles and waffle cones galore!
      I am so happy that you enjoyed looking around and the treasure hunt! I should have included more of the photos with different angles! The one thing I did not find and did not make was a kitchen radio, but that is still a plan for the future. Work is never work when there is music!
      I am happy also that you do not think it is too girlie - it is so easy to go overboard with punk, but I so loved each little thing and the colors make me cheerful and happy!
      I have some fun pieces to sprinkle throughout the rest of the house like the lady figure, so I hope you'll be delighted when you see them, as well! Thank you for your kind encouragement!

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  16. Oh my goodness, I think I've got a toothache from all the sweetness!! :D Thank you for giving us a couple more of those wonderful through the doorway shots. Love those! The cottage kitchen is a feast for the eyes Jodi. How glorious to have it filled with so many treasures. Thanks for giving us close ups of some of them. That Teresa Welch bowl really is spectacular, the little Ann Giling shopping bag is delightful and those mini gastronomical wonders are making me want to go an buy a bunt cake to have with tea right now. Yummy! How cute is the hanging chain of utensils. Such a cute idea! As is the pot rack solution. I love mixing cheap minis with artisan pieces, it's like putting an expensive pair of shoes with a cheap outfit. It elevates the whole ensemble. :) These pictures have given me another chance to admire your kitchen floor. You really did an amazing job on it. You have perfect spacing between your tiles. I'm going to have to go back to the floor post to bone up on your technique. I'm wishing I had a garden window in the San Franciscan now, looking at the wonderful view of all that greenery around the sink. Just beautiful Jodi. You should be so proud of all you have achieved in this room! ((Hugs))

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    1. Hi Sam! Thank you! I am happy that you like the kitchen and it's mix of minis! I always forget how I did things, too, so if ever I want to do another tile floor I am glad I have it chronicled here to remember what to do and most importantly what not to do, lol! It feels great to finally get to have the kitchen stuff out of the drawers and be able to play with them. Hopefully, I'll get my mojo going for the rest of the house and be able to enjoy them soon too!

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  17. Wow Jodi, I haven't looked at miniatures for a very long time. I love this house, and would love to have a real little cottage just like it! Everything in your kitchen is just beautiful, and you've made a wonderful place to display it!

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    1. Hi Kathi! It is so nice to see you back! I started the cottage back in April and thought it was only going t take me four months to finish it. Ha! Now I am thinking it will have been a whole year! I really needed a feminine project, as my real life house has morphed from my magazine worthy vision 11 years ago into a real family home which is beat up and lived in. I'd love to live in the cottage in real life, too! I am glad you like it and hope to see you posting about your creative endeavors again soon!

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  18. What else can I say, everything is amazingly beautiful!
    I love your mini's

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    1. Thank you Gonda! It has been great fun to explore this style and find such wonderfully feminine minis!

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  19. I would love to stop here for tea! Everything is so pretty.

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    1. Thank you De! You are welcome to stop by for tea and treats any time!

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  20. Todos y cada uno de los detalles de tu cocina son adorables.
    La porcelana preciosa y los pasteles se ven deliciosos !!!

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    1. ¡Gracias Eloisa! ¡Ha sido muy divertido finalmente poner todo en exhibición! El proyecto es muy especial para mí y estoy feliz de que también te guste. ¡Las tortas me dan hambre y anhelan dulces!

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  21. Your kitchen is looking splendid and I love all the space saving ideas. With so many treasures to cram in there, you need every available spot!

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    1. Thank you Megan! I am happy that you like the look of things! I collected things slowly over a couple years, and would just put them in the drawer for the project. I did organize everything a few times, but am a terrible judge of how much space I would have to display things. I just bought or made what you'd need to set up a real kitchen, and probably should not have made the doors and drawers in the cabinets false!

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  22. Hello, Jodi - Thank you for the kitchen tour! It's a lovely room, filled with color and comfort - and delectable confections. All of your amazing accessories look as though they were made for exactly the spot where you've placed them. You have such a wonderful eye for detail and for arranging accessories so that each piece tells an important part of the whole story. Now that I think about it, the entire room looks like one luscious confection and just makes my mouth water with all its delights. The hall tree, too, is such a pretty piece. The tasseled key and the "lady figure" are perfect finishing touches, and I really like the contrast of the dark hardware with the soft pink paint. You've done beautiful work, Jodi, and I'm so happy that there's more to come with this special little cottage.
    Marjorie

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    1. Thank you Marjorie! I can't tell you how much it means to me to have the little cottage kitchen and all of it's treasures received so positively! Sharing is one of the best parts of minis, and when the feedback is so encouraging, I enjoy the efforts that much more! The list still To Do for all of the other rooms is a big one, and I hope in the end each new addition is cohesive with the rest, Thanks again for your support!

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  23. Wow! This looks so amazing. And it makes me hungry too. Those cakes! I love love all the details. I could stare at this for hours. So many treasures and all so artfully arranged. (I also love the shelf with all the different size tea cups.). And the herb shelf - I must go work on my sdk herb kits :)

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    1. Thank you Penelope! It is only fair since you so often make me salivate over your delicious looking delights, as well! When you can't choose just one, include them (or eat them) all! :O)
      I'm glad you like the teacup shelf and have found it very difficult to find good tea cups in size and that look appropriately thin, so was lucky to have just enough to fill the shelf! Many I purchased on a prayer did not look right when placed next to the rest. They are something to keep an eye out for at shows! Have fun with the herb kits! They are so teeny and adorable!

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  24. This was such a joy! The potholders are too cute. And you did a great job on the photos.

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    1. Thanks so much M.C.! I'm happy that you enjoyed your visit! Thanks also for the encouragement on the photos - I am determined to find and employ and share good solutions!

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  25. una cocina perfecta, un ambiente muy logrado y conjuntado te felicito

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    1. Gracias carmen ¡Estoy feliz de que te guste! Ha sido una larga espera ver a todos los elementos individuales unirse, ¡y me encanta lo suaves y felices que son!

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  26. This kitchen is a small, great wonder !! It's literally covered in green and pink and pretty objects, but it does not look shabby, and it's not girlish! you were very good at creating such a realistic and warm room, it makes me want to wear an apron and start cooking!

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    1. Thank you Elenè! I am so happy that you like it and that you are inspired to cook! I believe if my real kitchen looked like this I'd spend more time in there, too! :O) Especially if there were cake! ;O)
      I hope your tile floor is coming along nicely, and hope to see you post about it soon!

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  27. Another bad thing about being ill is missing out on the delightful minis you've posted. =sigh= Everything looks so delicious! Now I need sweets and tea.

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    1. Oh Brae, ill? I hope it's nothing serious!!! And yes you should eat sweets and tea - nothing better to replenish us when we're fighting off a bug! I am glad you like the kitchen's little treasures!

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  28. Jodi - I've been watching over time as this has come together...now I needto go back through this post again and drool over all the fun things, tea pots etc from Valerie Casson, pot holders, pot rack, all the yummy goodies!

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    1. Thanks Heidi! It's nice to have you following along! One of the best parts of our mini community is that although we are spread all over the globe, we can pop in to see what creative endeavors each other are working on!

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  29. Absolutely lovely! I'm afraid I'd come for tea and never want to leave! Everything is so well placed and I especially love the plants on the window sill behind the sink and the teapots. Everything is so lovingly curated. Thanks for sharing where you've found your treasures. Your hall stand is wonderful!

    Hugs,
    Teresa
    beaconhilldollhouse.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Teresa! I am so happy that the cottage kitchen is a place you'd enjoy spending time on, too!

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  30. This miniature cottage kitchen is unbelievably adorable. You did an amazing job!

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind comment! I'm so happy you like the cottage's kitchen!

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  31. Where did you by it!?

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