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Wednesday, June 26, 2019

The Creative Process...


I'm sure it's no surprise when I tell you that getting to the decorating part of a project is not only exciting, it is also chaotic, messy and leads to all manor of rabbit holes! I had planned on completing the exterior of the New Orleans, but while I waited for the weekend to arrive and for Russ to come home with my perfectly cut piece of plywood, I still had momentum and wanted to keep going. I thought I might as well make up the sofa kit, a decision which opened Pandora's box. Before I could argue with myself, I had opened the "New Orleans furniture and decor" drawers and had bags and boxes everywhere! It was delightful, as many of the things I saved were purchased over three years ago when I bought the kit and began planning. It was like a shopping spree in my own stash! And after all this time and faded memory, I still love the colors and themes I'd dreamed of so long ago! What you see below could be called a mess, but I like to think of it as The Creative Process.


Since I started with the sofa, I had to get out the living room chairs and the coffee table for a test arrangement. I am so happy that the pillows I purchased two years apart from the sofa fabric (which reminds me of Hubble telescope photos) are a match made in the heavens! I still have to make the sofa pillows, probably navy blue and gold, and decide on one of four test rugs to print on fabric. I also have to put another two coats of the metallic paint on the unfinished coffee table. Then I can make and load in all the decor items for this room.




I was really excited to begin working on the kitchen. I had all kinds of neat stuff saved to go in it for so long and couldn't wait to see it come together. But because the dining room can only be accessed through the kitchen, I figured I'd better get that room's large furnishings decorated and put into place first. I still have to test some rugs for under the table, raise the chandelier a bit, then make a floral arrangement centerpiece for the table. I did make up three plants for the bay window sill.










With the dining room well on it's way, it was finally Kitchen Time! I wanted to have a center island, but the original piece I'd planned turned out to be too big. So instead, I dug through my kit drawer and found a wine table kit I'd picked up a long time ago from Menutmon on Etsy. Again, bummer he's not still in business as he had some really unique pieces. I was able to add square silver beads to the legs and make a larger butcher block top from 1/4" x 1/8" strip wood. That made the perfect height and length so that my fleur-de-lis stools could be utilized. I am so happy to have discovered using alcohol ink on fabric, as I was able to just dye the stool cushions indigo to match the island base and the main theme color of the kitchen decor. I also adjusted the shelf height to accommodate the stand mixer, leaving just enough space for the wine bottle rack.







I had a large chinoiserie tea set as well as a navy blue set and some cobalt glass pieces to mix and match for the kitchen. I also had a square dinner set from my Shapeways store and some unfinished bisque pieces to add to the lot. I painted them in the same blue acrylic paint as the island - a cheap basic Joann's brand I've had on hand since 2008!!!



I picked out some delft fabric online and then used it to print out towels, apron, rugs and a roman blind for the kitchen window. I know some of you have mentioned on your blogs that you do not like things to match, but I find myself most at home where there is symmetry, and prints and patterns in the same color just make me feel happy! I'm sorry though if it just isn't your cup of tea!!! :O) I made up some plants and herbs, some Louisiana cookbooks, a knife magnet, some utensil crocks and a chalk board sign. I will save some space for future food scene and wall art inspirations.


I always have trouble with my camera and lighting situation, so I've taken photos both with the lights on and off. My camera tends to read the lights as intensely yellow, but with the naked eye they just look like warm household light. I have made some editing adjustments using the computer's software to try to compensate for that a bit.

Stove Side







Sink Side






Entire Kitchen











It is so fulfilling to finally see this kitchen as I had dreamed it so long ago. That feeling is intensified by the fact that I had let this poor kit languish, half done, on the shelf for so long. But gleefully, inspiration has returned and it feels like I am keeping a promise. I can almost feel the forgiveness and gratitude radiating from the New Orleans with each piece I add.

Are you waiting for inspiration to return? Do not fret, for I have learned that waiting can be The Creative Process, too!

xo xo,
Jodi

67 comments:

  1. Congratulations.
    Es un gran trabajo.
    Han quedado maravillosas todas las habitaciones.
    Un saludo

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    1. Gracias Marian! ¡Estoy tan feliz de que te gusten!

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  2. Me encanta todo lo que has hecho. En la cocina ese azul y el diseño de delantales cortinas y alfombras queda genial.

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    1. ¡Gracias Isabel! ¡Es una cosa tan maravillosa poder encontrar patrones e imprimir su propio material en casa en la escala correcta.

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  3. I love your Pandora’s box of Creative Process! Thanks so much for taking us along on your journey. When I start a project, I try to identify unifying principles to guide my creative process. This can include style, time period or color, to name a few. I see this approach in your work and that of my favorite miniaturists. Those butterfly pillows are beautiful and inspire me to get out my embroidery attachment for my sewing machine. Do you have any guidance for printing on fabrics? My colors seem to dull down.

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    1. Thank you Sherrill! I generally get inspired by a fabric or wallpaper or even an object and then my mind races from there! I have been really lucky in being able to know a color in my mind and be able to match it pretty closely on my own. Is that a superpower? LOL
      I am afraid of sewing machines, yet there mine sits on my work table now just waiting for me to conquer my fear. It is not actually the machine that I am afraid of - I am pretty mechanically inclined. It is the fear that I won't be any good at it, even though I have had a few minor successes in the past. But I do want to learn, so I will muster the courage and take my lumps! 😊
      I use this fabric: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002201YEC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
      I set the print quality to High or Best, and then I increase the color intensity by 15%. There is no magic other than that, but I always do test on printer paper first and adjust from there.
      I'd love to see your machine embroidery! Please do share that with us!

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    2. Thanks for the fabric printing tips. Don’t hold your breath waiting for my machine embroidery results, summer activities are preventing me from much mini progress. As for your sewing phobia, keep it simple and remember the investment in fabric is small, toss it if you don’t like it.

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    3. Does your sewing machine have fancy stitches? On mine, I can select a design and sew a straight line and it looks like I’ve spent hours doing hand embroidery. Check out the very simple bedding and curtains I did in the Farmhouse years ago. Sometimes you have to add a backing of very thin interfacing to keep it smooth. First make a sampler of the different designs. Also, on tiny stuff, start on a scrap, then without removing it, follow with your real piece. That way you have something to hold on to. Good luck!

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    4. Ha ha! I won't stop breathing, then, but I will be looking forward to it!
      My machine has more fancy stuff than I deserve given my level of fear! But I will keep my machine out a few more days and dedicate some time to practicing. I will check out the farmhouse again and thank you so much for the advice! I really do want to learn! And my pillows are barely passable, not so much the machine sewing, but the closing by hand stitching at the end. I need to see a lot more videos!

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  4. I love how it looks. The matching blues are so pretty. I just can't get over how gorgeous the sofa, pillows and chairs look together. The colors remind me of Van Gogh.

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    1. Thanks Sheila! I hope I don't ruin the sofa with my home spun throw pillows! If I make a dozen in each color and pick the best ones maybe they will pass!

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  5. Me ha encantado recorrer cada habitación siguiendo tu proceso creativo,tan detallado,tan armonioso,me gustan los colores,los detalles...todo el conjunto se ve fascinante!!
    Besos.

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    1. Gracias, Pilar! Tuve grandes sueños cuando comencé este proyecto, me intimidé, paré, encontré mi valentía, comencé de nuevo y ¡me estoy divirtiendo mucho con el final! Es un proyecto donde puedo mirar atrás y ver la progresión de mi crecimiento perdonal. ¿Quién sabía que una casa de muñecas podría enseñarnos cosas sobre nosotros mismos? 💗

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  6. Impresionante, me encanta el resultado de este fantástico proyecto,felicidades y gracias por mostrarlo y poder disfrutar de él.Buen día:-)

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    1. Gracias Rosa Maria! Tuve que crecer en habilidad y valentía antes de poder alcanzar mis metas para lograrlo, y estoy muy agradecido por el viaje que he emprendido. Aprendí que nada que valga la pena es fácil, pero si eres determinado y paciente, ¡puedes hacerte una mejor tú y una bonita casa de muñecas!

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  7. The kitchen is very beautiful with and without the lights. I love the colors and how well everything fits in this space. The sofa and chair are beautiful and very elegant. It's wonderful to find treasures in your own stash.
    Hugs,
    Drora

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    1. Thank you, Drora! I am so glad that I was able to collect these lovely things back then and utilize them when I was ready. Some things weren't even meant for this kit, like the cabinets and the wine table kit, but they just seemed to be serendipitous and meant for this house. I am so happy you like it and wish I could serve you a beautiful Louisiana lunch there while we shared our life adventures!

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  8. Oh, Jodi! This is marvelous! This is one of those posts where I have to keep looking and looking and drink it all in. Everything looks so wonderful--the peacock colors in the living room, the blue and white in the kitchen, all the lovely little elements and details you put in, down to the silverware in the drawer. (Where on earth did you find a tiny bonsai tree?) Your dishes look great, even with the "cheap paint." :-) I'm sure the New Orleans is bursting with pride to be so beautifully decked out.

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    1. Thanks so much, Deb! I am so happy that you liked everything! The bonsai tree is just a tiny piece huckleberry branch with railroad turf stuff glued onto each branch out. Once dry I took embroidery scissors and shaped it. Super easy!

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  9. Your eat in kitchen is simply DREAMY Jodi! and clearly states that a "Professional French Chef Lives Here"! :D
    The crisp, clean lines and the generous size of the room give the cook space to spread out and yet, makes an easy Work Triangle, with plenty of room for Prep and Display and visitors!
    I LOVE the shine of the stainless steel fridge, and the deep shelf above for the larger props - Quite Wonderful!
    The stove area with the sparkling white tiles and ornate hood surround with task lighting, are perhaps my Favourite Details in the room but then again, the artfully arranged glass cupboards on either side are pretty darned Gorgeous too!
    I ADORE the mottled upholstery fabric you chosen for the sofa and especially those 2 coordinating Butterfly cushions you've got on the side chairs- Sublime!
    The lighting in the dining room is Fantastic! You have created a warm and friendly environment, and selected accessories and arrangements to give it its own personality while at the same time, keep it harmonious with the living room and the kitchen. The long view into it from the living room is Devine!
    BRAVO Jodi, on your Signature style and Superb taste in decor which are Perfectly Matched with your Amazing construction Skills-
    A Perfect 10!

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    1. Thank you so much Elizabeth! It makes me so happy that you like the rooms and decor and feel of this house! Over all this time as I kept adding each layer of detail I thought it might be crazy to do so much, but I had a vision and each little task had to be done to get it to look like I wanted in the end. It's so rewarding to turn on the lights and have them actually work after all this time and jostling around, and it's so much fun to add the details to each room and imagine seeing the rooms from a little person's eyes.

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  10. Oh WOW Jodi, your kitchen is stunning, absolutely gorgeous. And your dining room is beautiful. All your work is amazing. You can't create amazing without making a little bit of a mess!! :-)

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    1. Thanks Polly! I am generally a person who likes order while working, but in the end it seems like everything must come out and be within reach. I am afraid if it's not right under my nose, in the chaos I will forget about it. I am so happy that you like the rooms and don't mind seeing the mess it's taken to get them there!

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  11. Oh Jodi, the New Orleans is a beautiful house and you have made it a DREAM HOUSE, yes! in big letters. I absolutely adore it. I love all the fancy and beautiful details, it´s so estrange because it looks very elegant yet inviting and warm. The dinning space is gorgeous with those chairs as well as the living room. What you have done so far in the LR is so promising. The fabrics are SUPERB and those cushions are to die for. And of course, the kitchen, the kitchen!! It´s so beautiful and now even more thanks to all those extra things you have added that make the room inviting, warm, cosy, GORGEOUS. I love the colour palette, the touches of blue are just perfect, and please don´t be silly, I am one of those people who don´t like much symmetry and matching things, but I can appreciate how it was the right thing to do here, it couldn´t be any other way and I love the result. Congratulations, you are getting there and with an A+. Btw, have I told you how much I love your herbs pots? They look like the real thing!

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    1. Thank you Alex! I am so happy that you think the house is elegant and warm! Our homes are an important backdrop to where all the life happens, and even in a space where you can appreciate finery and craftsmanship I want guests to feel perfectly at home kicking their shoes off and telling their most meaningful memories while sharing a glass of wine. Since I don't get to create spaces like that in real life, miniature rooms are a way for me to express that compulsion. It makes me happy beyond words that you can connect to that feeling across a computer screen and an entire world. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments!

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  12. Wow Jodi...!!! I very, very, very briefly saw your post when it first went up and in a matter of seconds decided it would have to wait until I had proper time. I am so glad I did. What a wonderful and inspiring journey through your New Orleans. It is so wonderful the way it is all coming together and I am (as always) blown away by the amount and finely tunes little details.
    What I adore about this is your ability to create superb continuity through the rooms - colours and textures are done to perfection. With any project that evolved over time, it is oh so easy to get side=tracked and change ideas as the time passes but you have stuck to an original idea and plan and boy does it work!
    Oh, and that 'creative process' in your work space, is absolutely exactly what a creative process is supposed to look like!
    Anna x

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    1. Thank you Anna! I am so happy that you love the details, and it makes me know that taking so much time and care getting them there to achieve that vision is time well spent!
      All my builds come to my mind as an ineffable thing that has no name but is as clear to me as knowing the personality of a person. It has a life and a character and I am only attempting to achieve that feel and vision and bring it to life. Sometimes I nearly get there, and when it brings happiness to another soul who gets it, it's heavenly!

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  13. Utterly beautiful and so New Orleans elegant The fabrics for the sofa, chairs and glorious cushions are just beautiful, clearly someone with a great sense of design lives here..... none of grandma's hand-me-downs.... unless, of course it is silverware and some valuable dishes and glass. It all looks impressive and still a home to be lived in. It must have been such fun rootling through almost forgotten purchases.

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    1. Thanks Marilyn! I think she's a young-ish professional. highly involved in the community and therefore has huge pride in New Orleans history and heritage. She likes modern conveniences, but wants to keep the feel of era and character that made the house special when it was new in the 1800's without being too touristy or kitschy. I hope I can accomplish that!
      I am so so happy to finally be giving this dream life, and having lost treasures in my stash are just so much fun to rediscover!

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  14. Jodi dear what fun !!! I can't wait to get to this point in my build, seems such a long way off. I know what you mean about shopping amongst your own treasures. I am sure that I have things forgotten or no longer my thing. LOVE the kitchen ! I want to build a small one, Nothing as grand as this ! huggssss

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    1. It's so hard to wait to achieve the final vision we have for special projects, but oh how sweet is is when we finally do! If you ever need encouragement, just pull some of those treasures out for a little play. It's amazing how the idea has a life of it's own and how connecting with that again propels you forward through the challenges! There are some really great small kitchens that pack in a ton of character, and I am sure yours is going to be amazing!

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  15. Oh my goodness! So much to catch up on. Jodi, I am in LOVE with your kitchen. The navy really pops against the white and is so pretty!.. Probably one of my favourite colour combo's and I will one day do a white kitchen in a dollhouse. This is the kind of kitchen I wanted in the The San Fran, but the house had other ideas.. *rolls eyes*. I will be using yours for inspiration for sure. I love the fabric you have chosen for the blind and mats.. Beautiful! And the island turned out wonderfully. The butcher block is fantastic and in a lovely scale. The india ink really does work fantastically on fabric doesn't it? You'd never know that fabric wasn't navy all along. And lets talk about that dining room! Swoon!.. So pretty. I really love those wall planters on either side of the mirror. The details in this room are next level. It's so much fun to shop you mini stash isn't it. I have been pulling things out for the San Franciscan living room and it's so fun to look at the things I forgot I had.. haha. Now I'm off to look at the other posts I've missed.

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    1. It's so funny how bossy these dollhouses can be, isn't it?!? They want to be what they want to be, and we are only their mothers! :O)
      I am excited that you are pulling out decor stuff for the San Fran! You've been waiting so long to be able to put all of your amazing ideas to life!
      It makes me happy that you like the direction the New Orleans is taking! It feels amazing to be getting it to the end!

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  16. jodi, what a great time you must have had decorating all this! the result is truly magnificent. but it is always good to have a fundus so that you have a choice... worst is to visualize a scene and you first need to scout and then wait for the goodies.

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    1. It's been a blast getting to this point, Marion! And yes, it really does deflate you having to wait on the mail for the last little details, but luckily, with the kitchen, I had it all in my stash! Unlike the cottage, less was more for this kitchen!

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  17. Oh how beautiful all of them, the kitchen has become very beautiful and so real.
    I love the small dinner room, nice furniture, and the sitting room is also great, really beautifully made.

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    1. Thanks Gonda! I am so happy that you like the rooms! It's so much fun to finally be putting in the furnishings and decor!

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  18. Wonderful and elegant kitchen. There is just everything, like in a real kitchen.

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    1. Thank you, Faby! It's been a fun style to work in!

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  19. Hello Jodi, It took me quite some time to read through your blog since I have discovered it. I love the many different projects you have done and do! great inspiration, thank you. And this kitchen is just wow! I already look forward to your new post and see how this house devellops further.

    Huibrecht

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    1. Thank you, Huibrecht, and I am so delighted that you spent some time to visit my many mini dreams and leave such kind comments! It is so much fun to peek into the imagination of fellow creative folks and leave inspired! I am so happy that you are here on this adventure with me, and hope you like the next set of choices for this wonderful New Orleans dollhouse project!

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  20. Hi, Jodi - I LOVE this house! I could move right in and not wish to change one thing; it feels exactly like home to me! The sofa and pillow fabrics are fabulous and unique, and the soft wall color of the living room makes the perfect backdrop. I can't wait to see your choice for the rug! The mirror in the dining room is one of my favorite things, but all the furnishings and accessories are beautiful - and so well arranged! But the kitchen is your masterpiece, from the sparkling white walls, cabinets, and shelves to the warm wood of the floor and the chairs. And, of course, your perfect choice of navy blue that is the ultimate counterpoint for the pristine white. Choosing/creating the accessories for this room must have been such a delight! You've transformed the center island and chairs in a wonderful way. I'm determined, at some point, to use the alcohol ink idea; it creates such a beautiful, natural finish. You can be very proud of the results of your efforts on this house, Jodi - you deserve a standing ovation!
    Marjorie

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    1. Thank you Marjorie! There is no better complement to receive than to hear someone say that they'd feel at home in your dollhouse. I am so happy that you feel that way and that you like the furnishings and decor choices. I hope that you'll soon be able to try the alcohol ink dye method , too, as it is so easy and so much fun to transform fabric that is almost perfect except for the color. Thank you again for your wonderful comments and for the standing "O"!

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  21. Hi Jodi! It's me.... Late again! LOL! But OOOhhhhh what a treat it is to see the decor coming together!!! The sofa and those cushions are To Die For!!! And the Dining Room is just so perfectly peaceful and elegant and romantic and just plain LOVELY... Wow! You have a wonderful eye for the romantic details... perfectly restrained by your love of symmetry and balance... and the soft colors that go so well together are just a match made in Heaven! Your kitchen is Award-winning in my book! (I am really bad at "Finishing" kitchens, so I really appreciate the work of others! LOL!) But truly, the wine-table "fix" for the center island is probably more perfect than the original island you planned! And the alcohol ink dye job on the chairs is astonishing in the transformation! And now you have a place for all your gorgeous blue and white china and accessories... the results are just stunning! As always, I Love to see what you are making!!!! :):)

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    1. Hi Betsy and thank you so much for your encouraging words! You are never late and always right on time. I am so happy that the colors in this house are pleasing to you - seeing them play nicely with each other has been my dearest wish for this kit since the dream began to dance in my mind. The other island may work someday in a kitchen that is not galley style, but I am so happy that I had the makings of an alternative in my stash!

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  22. Well, I don't have words! Looking on the internet, I found your blog, and I have really enjoyed watching your work, all details are perfect done, very realistic, I love all! Here you have one more follower. Greetings and congratulations!

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    1. Hi Paky! I'm glad you found your way here and Thank You for your kind comments! I have also added you to my blog roll and look forward to catching up on all of your creative mini endeavors, too!

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  23. It made me smile to see that Paky found her way to your blog… I still remember how I've found my way to you and it's a discovery I'm very thankful for. For one thing I'm now able to enjoy posts like this - but even more it made me find one more talented and inspiring blogfriend.

    I would never be able to achieve a result like this for many reasons (one of them being the lucky fact that I have my own beary niche *teehee*) but it's great to admire it via your stunning photos and great comments. It's incredible how you've managed to achieve an atmosphere for this house that is at the same time elegant and stylish but also friendly and inviting. Everything says "be welcome and feel at home… while enjoying beauty". ;O)

    It would probably make this comment form explode if I would point out all the wonderful things and details I've enjoyed at your photos… like for example the fantastic transformation of this kit into a Jodi-style-impressive-kitchen-table. I really loved the detail of these metal thingies - they are perfect "feet" for this stunning piece of kitchen furniture. And what a pleasure to see this wonderful kitchen now being decorated… both with kitchen helpers like the stunning magnetic knife holder and with lovely decorative pieces like the chalkboard picture and the bonsai. Or the herbs in pots… the apron… how you've filled the cupboards… etc. etc. - and in general the lovely color scheme you've followed.

    And not to forget your newest additions to the dining and living room. How great that the cushions are matching so well with the sofa fabric. And the decoration of the dining room turned out so beautiful. I think there are projects were "eclectic" is a good choice - but for some other projects like yours symmetry and color scheme is the better choice. The symmetric frames next to the window and at the other wall with those splendid wall planters do a very good job for the atmosphere of this friendly place (Btw a great place to enjoy one, two, three, four Hippen... *wink*) Especially the pictures showing a view through the arched doors blew me away - what a sight.

    It's great that after all this time you and the New Orleans came together again. How nice of this project of waiting patiently for you and your inspiration to drop by again… ;O) And I am looking forward to more creative process from you… although it might also be called "playtime"!

    Hugs
    Birgit

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    1. Hello Dear Birgit! I am so grateful that you found your way here, too, because your kindness and creativity also inspire me! Our friendship is very special to me! 💗 It was nice to see that Paky found me somehow, and it's so wonderful to know that in every corner of our world there are beings of light that enjoy miniatures, too!

      I'm so happy that you like the progress on the New Orleans and all of the details and styles that she has asked me for. But I am also so joyful that you have your own very special and unique "Beary Style"! The world is all the more friendly and adorable with a little bit of Birgit in it!

      I am so relieved to have found the passion again for this project, as the guilt of seeing her sitting on the shelf while knowing what she could be was eating away at me. It feels so good to have a direction and a path to follow with the furnishings/decor I've had waiting for her to finally be utilized!

      Thank you so much for your encouragement, friendship and lovely, thoughtful comments! 😘

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  24. Jodi, this is WONDERFUL!! Symmetry and matching...yes, I agree. You've picked the perfect colours and matching accents to bring the whole house together. I love the details - plants in the window, cushions, books, ceramics - it all just works in harmony. Beautiful

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    1. Thanks Pepper! I am so happy that you like the direction this house has brought me in too! It's been an interesting combination of styles and periods to play in!

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  25. wowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowow I'm still looking over and over again I'm almost speechless what a beautiful rooms furniture and all the decorations and DIY those colours... I love it!!! You are for me a great inspiration and learn me if you want something beautiful I have to be patience because I see in your work the details and you thought for a long time how you going to make it all.
    Great to see your table has a lot of mess mine too and also in my next room and in the bedroom cupboard aso LOL!
    I'm going to scroll up again can't get enough of your BEAUTIFUL work!
    have a nice day,
    groetjes van Marijke

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    1. Thank you Marijke! It makes me so happy that you "get me" and the journey that this house has taken me on! To get them to look like we want in the end, there are the endless and sometimes mundane tasks that take so long. But reaching the end and fulfilling the layered vision is a satisfaction that makes all the time and work worthwhile. I am so happy that you think so, too!

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  26. I really like the color palette that you have come up with. Everything looks great, especially all of the details in the kitchen. Your work is inspiring.
    Troy

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    1. That is lovely of you to say, Troy! Thank you! I am happy that the palette appeals to you! It is so much fun to get to try everything in our miniature projects!

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  27. Your couch and pillows are the best ever couch and pillows! I adore them!

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    1. Thanks Brandy! When I thought to use the fabric, I knew it would either be real good or REAL BAD! I am glad it turned out to be a good choice!

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  28. This is a great space Jodi. Everything is perfectly placed. Your ability to accessorise is enviable and you pick just the right colours. I really love the dining nook. It is perfection.

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    1. Thank you Shannon! I am so happy to have your positive feedback! We always get excited about our ideas, and then work with fingers crossed that it will all come together in the end! I am feeling so fortunate that after leaving this project for so long that it has become cooperative and excited to be getting finished! It could have just as easily held a grudge! :O)

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  29. I have no words! Stumbled on your blog from pinterest and have poured over posts of the New Orleans house off and on for days! I just can't even wrap my head around the wonderous details inside and out or how you accomplish them! Perhaps eventually I will makae it all the way back to the beginning to see how you did some of the construction/details. I am currrently working on my first dollhouse and very new to this so not very skilled and don't have much of a stash of anything good. Not sure where you find such great stuff - maybe shows have better stuff? I make a good bit of my stuff so far because I have been unhappy with items I have ordered. I could probably exhaust you with 8 million questions! I grew up around New Orleans and when I finish my current house (it's my daughter's - she is the mistress and I follow her design requests) I will be doing a French Quarter house myself - maybe more Garden District....

    Thank you so much for being willing to share on this blog so I could stumble upon it!

    Marti

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    1. Hi Marti! Thank you so much for taking the time to be here and to leave such lovely comments! It's exciting to hear that you are beginning your miniature journey, and I hope it will be a fulfilling for you as it has been for me!
      I would love to hear what house you are working on for your first. They tend to be the test ground for so many ideas and learning opportunities!
      I find basic supplies online through miniatures.com, dollhousesandmore.com and Amazon, among others. I also look for specific things on eBay. I enjoy the process of making things from scratch or reworking commonly found miniatures, though there is a world of amazing artisan things on Etsy, too. Over time and as you begin to fold in new skills, your tools will grow, too! I am happy to answer questions or offer guidance wherever I can, so don't hesitate to ask.
      Growing up in New Orleans I imagine you have a ton of inspiration for your project just bursting at the seams! It sounds lovely! I hope you'll chronicle your progress and share it with all of us in this wonderful community of bloggers!
      I'm so glad you found me and I hope there is stuff here to help encourage you to try out all your ideas!

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  30. Stunning! Again, I'm in awe of your creative talent. Everything is perfect. L.O.V.E.

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    1. Thanks Teresa! This kitchen was such a dream to work on and I am so happy that you like it, too!

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  31. Love the fabric you used for the kitchen rugs, towels and apron! Where did you find this?? Its difficult to find fabric patterns of the appropriate scale.

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    1. Hi Liz! You are exactly right about finding scale and color appropriate fabric for miniatures! I have resorted to designing my own and then printing on inkjet printer fabric. It can be found on Amazon and here is a blog post about what I do with links to the fabric:

      https://my-miniaturemadness.blogspot.com/2019/08/autumns-pantry-home-goods.html

      I am happy to answer any more question you may have! 💗

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  32. Your house is beautiful. What type of lighting did you use? I cannot seem to get mine bright enough (without using LEDs).

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    1. Thanks Rachael! Sorry for the extended response time. Holidays, snow and Covid!
      In addition to the 12 volt dollhouse lighting fixtures, I installed several "can" lights in every room. I recommend Evan Designs, 5 mm 9-12 volt fixtures. You can find them here:

      Bulbs:
      https://evandesigns.com/products/solid-leds-for-hobbies?variant=6763761926192

      Mounting Clips:
      https://evandesigns.com/products/3mm-led-or-5mm-led-mounting-clips?pr_prod_strat=copurchase&pr_rec_pid=485937348656&pr_ref_pid=485940101168&pr_seq=uniform

      Transformer:
      https://evandesigns.com/products/regulated-12-volt-dc-output-adapter-transformer

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