Hi Guys!
This week has been abundant with various and sundry activities, not any of them concluded, but all of them fun! So this post is going to be an amalgamation of the week and I hope you enjoy the variety!
First off I'll share that I made a little start on the porches for Vera and Virgil's cottages. I dug through my supply drawers and auditioned options, and at least figured out that each cottage porch will have a totally different aesthetic. For Vera, I am going with something very feminine and almost Victorian in detail...
For Virgil, something a little more country/rustic. I had some fencing assemblies left over from a Creatin' Contest kit, and what a great opportunity to use them!
I am slowly making progress, but haven't had a good chunk of time yet this week to dedicate.
Over the long Thanksgiving weekend, we opted for safety above getting the family together. Since it was just Russ and I here at home, we took on a couple fun new activities together. One was assembling the LEGO Mandalorian Razor Crest set. We hadn't built LEGOs since our kids were growing up, and had never done one together. It turned out to be a lot of fun and we are just starting bag 3 out of 6. There are over 1000 pieces, so it will take us a while longer. It's not technically minis, but if I can convince Russ that working on small things together can be fun, he may just start to imagine us creating a cool, MANLY mini project together in the future. ;o)
We also got a new game for the Nintendo Switch. It's called Animal Crossing New Horizons. It's a lot of fun, filled with wit, humor and some fun facts about the flora and fauna that you collect in the game. If you don't want to become addicted or have another adorable activity take over your free time, I recommend avoiding it, lol!
Back in the spring, I mentioned that I was participating in another Instagram group swap. We would each be given only 1 person, anonymously, and would be given questionnaires filled out by them in order to make gifts perfectly tailored to our recipients current project. Based on my recipient's requests, I made a bathroom vanity and lots of accessories. Due to all of the Covid craziness, the deadline to mail the packages was pushed to October 31st.
When I received my package and saw that it was from Australia, I squealed a little because I knew it was from Sam (BluePrint Minis). If you know her, you know she paints incredible mini paintings. You can see a past swap gift I received from Sam in a post titled So Thankful.
This time, I was working on Pound Cake, the bakery, so I asked for bakery related things. Sam not only painted a cupcake series and framed them in the coordinating colors of the bakery, she spoiled me rotten with other handmade and purchased treasures, too! Thanks Sam! I am so lucky to have been assigned to you! I love every single thing!
Sam is a busy lady so mostly posts on Instagram now. You can find and follow her @blueprintminis.
And I think, finally this week, I should tell you about a new project in the works. You know me... I never reach the end of one project before I become obsessed with a new idea. This time, it's for someone else, someone very special to me. That's the best motivation for me to finish a project! And this person, in spite of my best efforts, has not shown much interest in minis. Until now. And believe me, I have seized upon this. For now, I'll share the structure...
And one of the amazing items that will become a part of the project. Maybe it will give you a clue...
The rest will come soon enough. After I finish (I am determined) Vera and Virgil's cottages. Porches, roofing and wiring to go!
In spite of the state of the world these days, I hope life is busy but good for each of you, too. Happiness can sometimes be achieved simply in the way we choose to frame the events surrounding us. I'm trying hard to make my frames as positive as possible, and to help others do the same.
xo xo,
Jodi
Dear Jodi, what a fun week!! I had fun too reading your post. You have been a busy lady and we get to enjoy the fruits of that. First, Virgil and Vera´s porches are progressing nicely. I love that you are going to make them different and love the different barandas and how they possibly match their personalities and taste. With regards the swap, the recipient of your gift is a lucky lady, any dollhouse will be honoured to have one of your beautiful and stylish vanities, I love them, and this one is gorgeous, beautiful colours and accessories, I bet the lucky lady is over the moon! And you got lucky too, I used to follow Sam´s blog and now I follow her in Instagram, I remember that post with all those beautiful autumn paintings!! I drooled so much and was so happy for you! Your gift is also beautiful, and fun, and thoughtful, those little cupcakes with animal faces and that chocolate cake with all the ganache are to die for!! I am happy that you and your husband enjoyed your thanksgiving together and tried something fun and new. We have to find ways to love and enjoy ourselves in these difficult times. And last, I have an idea of who´s that person you are trapping into the miniature world, lol, enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Alex! I bet you're right about who it is and I can't wait until I can tell you! Hugs! 💗
DeleteWell isn't there a saying that 'variety is the spice of life'? If that is true you sure have had a fabulously spicy week LOL
ReplyDeleteThe cottage verandas are going to be wonderful. I am sure Vera and Virgil will enjoy plenty of quiet downtime gossiping on one veranda or the other.
Seeing your LEGO build makes me want to drag out the bags and bags of models stashed away from when our boys were little - hours of fun in the waiting.
I will look forward to seeing Sam's generous, thoughtful and beautiful gifts gracefully on display in Pound Cake.
Have a lovely week.
Anna X
There is that saying Anna and it is so true! It's wonderful that you kept the LEGO sets and I bet it would be fun to have a play with them. I am eagerly waiting for the inspiration for Pound Cake to come over me again, and Sam's wonderful gifts have awakened something for sure!
DeleteI love the verandas created from "the stash." Seems that we are relying more on our stashes these days, at least in my case, since I am finding it hard to source materials, especially for the half scale. Your bathroom piece is enviable and the lucky recipient must treasure. I'm so glad that you are back to your cheerful, positive, good spirits. These are odd times. Most certainly a Legos project with your husband--or with anyone--is a great activity. I love Legos and had bought so many sets for the grandkid both the girls and boys. Perhaps I can continue since they are good for all ages. Life is certainly what we make it and I think our miniature life has helped so many navigate the strange outside. Vera and Virgil will appreciate you hard work.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann! We are relying on our stashes just like good little squirrels! My issue seems to be more a matter of the things I purchase actually making it to me. It seems they either take forever to ship them, take longer in the mail, cost more to mail, and then I seem to be getting packages with missing items. The replacements are getting lost so weeks go by and nothing... I am about ready to stop buying altogether, but that is not good for the economy. What can a needy miniaturist do? 😊
DeleteJodi, esos porches se ven muy bien, has captado la esencia de cada uno de los propietarios para hacerlos personalizados, aunque no hayas tenido demasiado tiempo, todo progresa!
ReplyDeleteMe encanta que Russ y tu hayáis sabido disfrutar del día de Acción de Gracias de una manera diferente y divertida! Es lo que nos toca en estos tiempos, hay que saber adaptarnos de la mejor manera, agradecer la vida y sacar el máximo partido a la situación.
En el intercambio has sido muy agraciada con los regalos de Sam, se ve todo tan magnífico!
Y muy agraciada será también la persona que reciba tu regalo, es maravilloso!!
Sobre el nuevo proyecto....me gustará saber a qué y a quién estará dedicado!
Mientras, manteneros a salvo y seguir disfrutando de las pequeñas cosas!
Besos.
Thank you Pilar! It is such an important skill to be able to see the good in every circumstance and to find joy in every moment. I seem to be busier these days and have less time at the craft table but as long as I can make a little progress each week, it will feel good.
DeleteAs for the new project... I am so excited to share it! Soon!
Kisses! 🥰
Sounds like a great week! Progress with the cottages, a new project and the swap! So cute! I love the little cupcake paintings.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I have more railing from the 2016 contest kit. So if you need more let me know! I'll be happy to send it your way.
Thank you, Sheila! That is so very kind of you to offer! I will keep it in mind if the plan with the two of them just isn't working out. I am focusing on Vera's first, just to get the complicate one out of the way so that I can enjoy the relief when Virgil's turn comes! Hugs!🤗
DeleteThe porches for Virgil and Vera's cottage are perfect, original and fits for each of them, Jodi, you've done a great job!
ReplyDeleteAnd I can see that you've amused yourselves well with the LEGO and the Nintendo......who has won most games of you both ;O)?!
I'm glad that Sam loved your gorgeous gift of the bathroom vanity and its accesories, who wouldn't?? And on return Sam spoiled you rotten with her beautiful gifts too, you're truly a lucky bird, dera Jodi <3.
"Someone very special for you and didn't show much interest for mini's so far..."?? And together with this mysterious project, it makes me very curious to see how this project will develop in the future. Well, we shall see for who and what it will become, isn't it ;O)? Knowing your work now, I think it will something beautiful, no doubt.
Seen the artwork of Erszébet Bordzás....maybe a deli shop??
I agree with you that hapiness can be achieved in little things, because tomorro here we will celebrate our Sinterklaas Party (your Santa) this year seeing my children online and together with our grandson. We prepared lots of things to make it to one big happening en we will have loads of fun, no doubt about that!!
Stay safe, take care, dear Jodi, enjoy your weekend.
Hugs, Ilona
Thank you, Ilona! Thankfully we have had fun and interesting things to keep us busy and far from feeling sorry for ourselves, lol! Luckily, the video game is all about community and team building so we get to work together toward our goals. That's a good thing because Russ and I both played sports growing up and can be very competitive with one another, lol!
DeleteA deli shop is a great guess based on the charcuterie but you'll just have to wait and see! Hugs! 🤗💗
Los porches están quedando genial. A mi también me encanta ese lego.¡Una estupenda manera de disfrutar y además con una persona querida! Los regalos tanto recibidos como enviados son como para saltar de alegría.
ReplyDeleteGracias Isabel! Hugs! 💗
DeleteThe porches for Virgil and Vera's cottage are very beautiful and original.
ReplyDeleteA lot of fun with LEGO and Nintendo.
I really like the wonderful gifts for Sam and for you from her. You are very lucky, ladies.
Your new project is interesting and i'm curious to see the developments.
Thanks so much Faby! I am so excited to share! Hugs! 💗
DeleteLas casas de Virgil y Vera cada vez están más bonitas, los porches son preciosos.
ReplyDeleteHermosos regalos de Sam, y también los tuyos. Sois afortunadas.
Estoy deseando ver tu nuevo proyecto.
Gracias Eloisa! Abrazos! 🤗
DeleteI like your porches. Your bathroom vanity is gorgeous, and the gifts from Sam are wonderful. Lego is such fun. When my girls were little we bought them lego sets every Christmas, but myself and then husband always started building before them!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Polly! They really are fun and satisfying to do! You should buy yourself a new set and have fun putting it together. They are the best 3D puzzles!
DeleteGenial todo.
ReplyDeleteCon tanta actividad no te da tiempo a pensar en las calamidades qu44e estamos viviendo y eso es bueno para el alma.
Celebro verte con todo ese animo.
Sigue así.
Un saludo
Sí Marian - ¡Gracias! Nuestras vidas realmente son en lo que nos enfocamos, y es bueno tomar un descanso de salud mental a veces. Espero que estés haciendo lo mismo y disfrutando de todos los placeres de la vida, grandes y pequeños. ¡Abrazos! 🤗
DeleteI really enjoyed your fun, upbeat post. That’s great that you and Russ found some things to do together, and that one is kind of miniature. Your swap from Sam is fantastic and a great motivator to get back to the bakery. I too, have been pretty busy. It’s always a little stressful trying to get gifts in the mail in time, and this year, I’m trying to minimize my trips out. It will work out.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sherrill! I have to admit that other than coordinating a gift with my brother for my mom, we are all donating to food banks this Christmas instead of sending gifts. The youngest child in the family is a college freshman, and we have all agreed to stay safe and apart this year, so this was a much better plan for us. It's a big job you're doing and I hope it all goes smoothly and to plan. Your virtual Christmas morning will be a special and memorable one! Hugs! 💗
DeleteHi Jodi - lovely work as always - when would it not be so. Such a lucky and evenly balanced swap you had - two very talented people sending the other some lovely creations. Of to have a look at blueprint minis - think I have been there before.... Have just bought my four year old grandson some 'proper' Lego for Christmas so I am looking forward to building that with him - many years since I lifted a piece of Lego in anger
ReplyDeleteThank you Marilyn! I'm so happy that you'll get to see your grandson! 4 is such an amazing age to enjoy Christmas with, and you two will have the best time with LEGOs together! Tell him all your "stepping on LEGOs in the middle of the night" stories and he will be a much more conscientious picker upper! 💗💗💗
DeleteHe is beginning to be a tidy freak like his grandma 😊 so maybe not a problem. I see so much in him that is me and has skipped a generation.
DeleteSo much accomplishment in one week. Vera and Virgil will be content to reside in their beautiful, almost completed cottages. Both swaps are simply awesome.
ReplyDeleteI love the games you and Ross play, proves that even in Covid days you can have fun at home.
Keep taking care and stay safe.
Hugs, Drora
Thank you, Drora! Russ and I know that the most important thing is that we are well and are together. I am sending extra special prayers and hugs as you face your first Hanukkah without your beloved husband. I hope you'll be able to share stories of all the fun and special times you had together with all of the younger ones in the family to keep his memory a big part of the celebrations. Hugs 🤗💗🤗💗🤗💗🤗
DeleteOh Jodi - the porch railings you've chosen are EXACTLY right for each of the houses. You always nail it right on the head! Vera and Virgil are two lucky little mice, not to mention how truly adorable they are. So glad you were able to enjoy your Thanksgiving even during these strange times. You've really peaked my interest in your upcoming project, I'm excited to see what it will be! Big hugs. - Marilyn D.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Marilyn! It is so fulfilling to be able to get to work on each cottage and give it it's own special style. And I am so excited to share the new project and the story that goes into putting it together! 💗
DeleteYou could not have chosen a better title for this post! I've enjoyed very much to see what kept you busy during the last week... and we all know that the weeks have less time in December than they usually have. *LOL* And it's great that you and Russ are having fun with these projects and games together, I really admire your LEGO kit. Perhaps you should think about making a diorama together for this stunning piece... you know... just to pull him over to our side of the might... the miniature one of course. And your mystery project is so exciting - I can't wait until you reveal the theme and the person it's dedicated for.
ReplyDeleteI really love your idea to make different fencing for both mouse cottages and your choices are fantastic for these two darling characters. And I've admired your gifts from Sam, so personal, well chosen and sooooooo stunning!
My fingers are crossed for this week to be as filled with all sorts of fun for you once more. Here in my part of the world I'm happy that this week is promising to become much better... although last week we already received our Christmas gift for this year: Our stairs had to be renewed. But of course this meant loads of chaos, work and dirt... and not being able to do what you'd like to with the working guys in the house. But now it's done, everything is clean and back in place again and the new stairs looks wonderful - but most of all with this new installation we're going to save plenty of energy now... perfect.
Have fun with whatever you do!
Hugs
Birgit
Thank you Dear Birgit! My attention has been less fractured this week but the progress on Vera's porch is still slow while I wait for layers of paint and glue to dry. It's looking promising, though!
DeleteA remodel at this time of year with all of the festivities of the Christmas Market must have been pure chaos! I am so happy that all is finished and life back in order! If only Santa could grant our wish for one extra week in December every year, we might just feel less frantic! Hugs to you and the gang! 💗🤗
The work on the cottages is lovely - to have them the same yet so different and the fencing choices work so well with each one. They're a lovely project as is the bathroom vanity. The recipient is very lucky to receive this and I really like the shade of green you've chosen.
ReplyDeleteLucky you too receiving all those little bakery items. It's such a nice arrangement and I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with for your new project. Merry Christmas when it comes!
Thanks Irene! It sure makes making choices a little easier when you can pick two of them instead of one! And with both group swaps I've participate in this past year, it's been so fun to be the recipient of handmade minis from very talented ladies!
DeleteHello Jodi,
ReplyDeleteAs usual you have enough different projects to keep you busy. I love the idea's for vera and virgils porches. The different styles really help individualise the two buildings in the style of their occupants. Your new project is veryintruiging. I wonder how that will develop.
And well, if the Mandalorian can help you coax Gus into helping with miniatures, than that's a new great way of using Lego. 😏
And the exchange of miniatures is a great way to surprisevand be surprised with lovely gifts in return. I trust they will all look good in Pound Cake.
Huibrecht
Thanks Huibrecht! What I really could use more than any more projects is the gumption it takes to finish any of them! Russ will come around one day. I do a good job reminding him of just how supportive I am of all his interests and hobbies, lol! The swaps, too, were so much fun though getting packages to arrive at destinations around the world has been the greatest challenge. We may wait until the All Clear from Covid before we try again.
DeleteWhatever you put your Creative Mind to, you SUCCEED in SPADES Jodi and your wee cottages along with the DROP DEAD GORGEOUS bathroom sink you custom- made for the Swap, are SUPERB! I can never get over the amount of detail you infuse into each of your mini projects and so it is no great surprise that you and Russ are Lockdown with Lego- still one of the most EDUCATIONAL and ENTERTAINING toys EVER and it NEVER goes out of style.
ReplyDeleteI know of a guy who makes custom kits with the Lego he purchases and then resells them on the internet, so it has a thriving following among adults of and kids of all ages.
The YUMMY baking that you received from Sam are PERFECT for any of your past, present and/or future mini projects. Each of them is making my mouth water, and so does the photo of Erzabet's MAGNIFICENT cheese and appetizer board.
One can only anticipate the adventures of where your new ideas and your new roombox will eventually lead.
Have a Very Merry Christmas Jodi!
elizabeth
Thank you Elizabeth! It was fun and exciting to see the Razer Crest develop layer by layer, and the tiny characters just sent both Russ and I to cuteness euphoria! As for the cottage porches, it will feel like a big accomplishment to get the porches finished up. I am so excited to see the exteriors that I may even get to the roofing right away!
DeleteI bet the custom LEGO hobby is so creatively satisfying, and probably pays well, too! I'd love to see what he does! Russ and Ande are now talking about building one of the actual LEGO RC cars together. 8000 pieces! Can you imagine! But what a great togetherness project that would be for father and son. So much good stuff to look forward to after we conquer Covid!
Have a Very Merry Christmas, too, Elizabeth! I hope you and all of your loved ones are staying safe and healthy! 💗💗💗
I'm glad to see that you have so many mini projects on your plate, Jodi. How lovely when you receive things you can add to your houses. I believe that a dollhouse is never really finished, there's always something more to do. Wishing you a festive and restful holiday season!
ReplyDelete