Delightful Discoveries - It's a Small World, After All 09.22.10

I still remember receiving my first doll house as a Christmas present when I was three years old, but I didn't fall in love with the world of miniatures until a couple years later when my parents took me to see the world famous Colleen Moore Fairy Castle at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. If you've never been there, and you're ever in the Chicago area, I highly recommend taking a peek at this amazing display. Female or male, young or old, I will guarantee that it will leave you amazed.

Here is a short video showing some of the detail of the rooms of the dollhouse, but trust me when I say that you have to see it in person to truly appreciate it. It took over 100 people approximately seven years,at a cost of nearly $500,000 to create this amazing miniature journey through fairy tales and legends. From the diamond, emerald, and pearl chandelier in Cinderella's drawing room, to the Bible in the Chapel (the world's smallest complete bible, to King Arthur's round table in the Dining Hall, everything is in perfect scale... and many of the items like the 4000 year old statues of Isis and a 3000 year old alabaster jar in the Great Hall, and the 500 year old gold chest in the Prince's bathroom, are virtually priceless antiquities. And that is only the beginning. To learn just a little bit more about the castle, click here.



I was fortunate to have many items suggested to me for today's feature, and for the items I personally wanted to find, I was fortunate to have found lovely pieces. I hope you're pleased with my selections and the wonder of the world of miniatures!

First, of course, you should find your dream home...

Port Meadow Cottage Fairy House Custom Order from MelissaChaple
And add the basic furnishings...

Add some basic furnishings...



Cabbage Rose Chippendale Sofa from PeachBlossomHill
Dollhouse Miniature Cherry Table with Four Chairs, Placemats and Settings. OOAK from susanaklein
BEAUTIFUL Fantasy Rose 1 Inch Scale Bridal Bed - Artisan - OOAK from CrownJewelMiniatures
DOLLS HOUSE MINIATURES - PINE BUNK BEDS WITH GREEN OWL FABRIC from LittleHouseAtPriory
Handmade 5 piece pink and white Wicker Nursery Set from HartsDesireMinis


And those items that make it "uniquely yours"...



Miniature Dollhouse Coppers Trunk/Chest from beadcharmed
Seaside Inspired Bathroom Sink from CreationsMAD
Hand Carved Vintage Style Sewing Machine - Dollhouse Miniature - 3 1/4 in. Tall from HandmadeByMona
Dollhouse miniature chandelier from marmades
DOLLHOUSE MINIATURE WITCH HUTCH from Lilacpumpkin
Vintage Style Desk with Stool - Dollhouse Miniature Set from HandmadeByMona

A few small touches for a little panache...



Miniature book Sense and Sensibility Jane Austen from marottesud
1/12TH scale - SMALL MARY ENGELBREIT INSPIRED SHELF WITH MATCHING TEAPOT from 64tnt
White calla lilies in a vase card from Valmade
Dollhouse Miniature Twilight Perfume Bottle Collection from dalesdreams

Relax or enjoy your gardening hobby in warm weather...


Dollhouse Miniature Adirondack Chairs and Side Table from susanaklein
Compact Potting Bench, Original, Aged, Accessorized in 1/12 Scale from Minis4Moderns
OOAK Pumpkin and Veg market sellers cart 12th scale from Bearcabinminiatures

And of course, be sure you're ready for entertaining over the holidays with a wonderful tree, decorations...


Red and Silver Decorated Christmas Tree from marysminiatures
Poinsettia Plant in Sculpted Polymer Pot -- Dollhouse Miniature from jamesofsilverlake
BRASS (3 CANDLES) XMAS CANDELABRA - HOLLY / RED POINSETTIA from LittleHouseAtPriory

...and LOTS of food for family and friends to join in the fun at breakfast...


COFFEE and BUTTERED CRUMPETS from StarsGemini3
Assorted Bagels and Lox Platter from EverydayGourmet
Dollhouse Miniature Christmas Donuts on Metal Tray from miniholiday

Lunch...



Bread Board Dollhouse Miniature from vesperminiatures **
Assorted Meat, Vegetable and Cheese Deli Platter from Alliesminis
Crunchy Tortilla Chips - The Ultimate Snack from SchickieMickieMinis **
Martha Stewart Nicoise Salad- 1/12 scale from mousemarket
BUCKET OF DRINKS / Dollhouse Miniature in 1/12 Scale from MelsMinis
1/12 Dollhouse Scale Tray of Pepperidge Farm Cookies from AthenaWorkman

and of course, your Holiday Dinner!




WINE AND CANAPES / Dollhouse Miniature Food in 1/12 Scale from MelsMinis
5 Breads in Basket - miniature 1/12 Scale from yifatiii
Organic Broccoli w/ Spicy Cheddar Sauce- 1/12 scale from mousemarket
50 PERCENT OFF Mashed Potatoes and Gravy- 1/12 scale (2 Piece Set) from mousemarket
Roast Turkey with Stuffing from EverydayGourmet
Green Bean Casserole from EverydayGourmet
Candied Sweet Potatoes from EverydayGourmet
Miniature Pumpkin Pie with Egg Glazed Pastry Crust - YUMMY from dpaone
Miniature Yule Log/ Topped with Holly from marysminiatures

Now if these haven't convinced you of how truly talented miniaturists (the artisans who create these incredible pieces) are, I don't think I know what will! I know that I'm personally seriously considering starting a custom dollhouse as a family heirloom - it would be an amazing project for my granddaughters to get involved in as they get older!

Tomorrow, I'll be back (much earlier) with some wonderful dolls from collectibles to cuddlies that I hope will remind you of how wonderful dolls can be! Whether you're a collector or simply looking for a wonderful new doll for your little one, be sure to stop by tomorrow and check out the collection! And if you're a dollmaker, or a vintage doll seller, and would like to see one of your items showcased here, let me know by clicking here for the submission form to e-mail me the link to the page of the shop where I can see your items or your favorites from another shop.

I'll be back in just a little bit with a BESTeam feature too, so stay tuned!

Have a wonderful day!!

**designates an undiscovered or underdiscovered shop