And the winner is...

HBS/Miniatures.com announced the winners of the 18th Creatin' Contest today. I was really impressed by the competition and how the winners transformed the Fascination Station Kit. There are only 30 kits left so if you wanted one...

You can read all about the winning projects and see more detailed photos on HBS website here: miniatures.com. Currently they only have the top winners up, but they are uploading photos of First Time Entry Winners, Honorable Mentions, and all other entries as fast as they can. My Fashion House won a nice First Time Entry prize, so that will be on their site and also in the March HBS/Miniatures catalogue.

Grand Prize
“North Creek – A Century Later” Michelle Miller, Howell, MI
(pictured above)

First Place
“The Old West” Joyce Bishop, Hendersonville, NC







Second Place
“Ted Cairns Chevron” Louise Stedinger, Florence, OR








Third Place
“Deadwood Stage at Chugwater Station” Roy Simpson, Lubbock, TX


I'm looking forward to seeing all of the entries, the creativity was definitely flowing.

(all images from miniatures.com)

Evening on ebay

It's too cold to work in the garage tonight, so the Fashion House is on hold. I ended up getting sucked into ebay instead and I thought I would share. Here are some of the gems that peaked my interest. Some of the prices are high, but many have "make an offer" available. As with many large 1:12 scale dollhouse many listings are local pick up only.

Ebay seller demantaur is parting with two incredibly detailed, fully furnished, and electrified houses. Both are local pick up only near Frederick, Maryland. This first house is a top loader with the roof on hinges. I love the panel molding and the plexi bathroom. The pool is phenomenal. Some serious hours were logged into making this a work of art. Check out all 130 photos on photobucket or the ebay listing here.

The second house demantaur is selling, in another impressive one-of-a-kind. The bookcase in the hallway of the two story brick house is impressive. Again, the bathroom here is really cool as well. Gotta love plastic. You can see all 69 pictures on photobucket or the ebay listing here.

I would LOVE to put a modern interior in this Western Log Dollhouse Kit "MONTANA BUNK HOUSE". I can just imagine a high end ultra modern cabin nestled in the mountains near Vail or Breckenridge. Dreamy.

I really love the shelves on this Vintage German Puppenstuben Store Front. I'd be tempted to take it apart just for the shelves.

This one is unusual indeed: Hand Crafted One Of A Kind Unusual Wooden Doll House. Local pick up only in Reading, PA.

A used Villa Sibi in Greenwich, CT is up with option to ship.

There's a Tomy Smaller Home and Garden in pretty decent condition, there may be a warp on the shorter part of the roof, but the second floor is not warping, which happens to many of the Tomy vintage houses. It is 1:16 scale, you can see an old commercial on youtube here.

This one needs some work, but the brick Vintage Chicago Bungalow is the same bungalow style house my great grandparents owned. I didn't know them, but we visit their old house whenever we're in Denver.

I love the copper awnings on the white Stucco Pennsylvania custom house. It also has a cool cross beam ceiling and the molding and windows are nicely finished.

Okay, this kit is extremely cutesy, but I love the roof design and the windows. Strip away some of the bubblegum decor and add a little industrial modern and I would call it home. Sadly, its small; at 43 cm tall, I'm guessing it is closer to 1:16 or 1:18 scale. Boo.

Mad for Mod's Mid-Century Modern dollhouse has starting bid of $295, local pick up Carmel, IN. Check out her blog for more close up shots.

A used Emerson with furniture is up with local pick up in Baltimore, MD area.


(All images from ebay listings. Click on links above to see more ebay details.)

Anyone up for a doll and jewelry challenge?

In the current issue of Fashion Doll Quarterly magazine is a really cool article about Maryann Roy's display that she built for “Gems & Jewels” jewelry store in Australia. Below are some amazing pictures of the jewelry store display. FDQ and "Gems & Jewels" story are hosting a contest with some cool prizes. For the contest all you need to do is incorporate real jewelry and any kind of doll into a miniature scene.


How about these for some inspiration:

You can read all of the details and prize information on Maryann's blog here: http://maryannroy.wordpress.com/2012/01/18/diorama-photo-contest-get-published-and-win-a-fabulous-prize/ or you could order a copy of the FDQ magazine here.
First place is a doll shaped charm crafted by Gems & Jewels and valued at $675.00! (Choice of charm will be chosen by Owner, Suzy Allan)
Entries are due via email by FEBRUARY 14TH (Valentine’s Day). Read all the details here.

(images are from Maryann Roy's blog maryannroy.wordpress.com
*Set photography by Phoebe Morley: www.pmorleyphotography.com.au
*Charms photographed by Greg Karslake

Maryann Roy window display

Over the holidays, I was able to break away from the family for an afternoon to drive out and meet Maryann Roy. I am a huge fan of her work, and was very excited she invited me to her home. She is an absolute doll in person and it was pleasure to meet her in person. I got to see some of her amazing collection and see how she works behind the scenes. Very inspiring.

We drove out to Torrington together to see the holiday window display she had built for a fabulous little boutique, Brazen Betties. You can see more photos and read about it here: maryannroy.wordpress.com/2011/11/26/holiday-window-display-revealed/. The display was really eye catching. I love anything that helps showcase miniatures to a new audience and this did it with a ton of glam to boot. Hats off Maryann! Hanging out with you was a highlight of my trip. Good luck on future window displays. Looking forward to seeing them.


(top two images are from Maryann's blog maryannroy.wordpress.com)

I could be a Barbie Girl in this Barbie World

One of my readers, Maureen, sent me this great link to Jamie Kelly's modern 1:6 dollhouse. Jamie is a photographer and painter that loves making furniture, bedding, clothes, etc.
She modified this dollhouse that originally had all the same size rooms, moving walls around and adding windows and doors. Most everything is a combination of things she made or picked up from thrift store and garage sales, with the exception of the cabinetry and some gifts from friends and her sister.

Most of the wall art is her own artwork to scale. Jamie learned how to bend plexiglass. She's planning on creating more plexi pieces, hopefully some bar stools, coffee tables, platform beds, end tables. Good luck Jamie. Can't wait to see what you come up with next. The photos are outstanding. It's nice to see what the professionals can do.

Thanks Maureen!

(all images from Jamie's website www.jamiekellyart.com)

Hey Tanya from Shoot from the Hips, I want to see your dollhouse!

I saw this DIY Modern Dollhouse on Apartment Therapy. Look familiar? After seeing made by Joel's dollhouse, Tanya and her husband were inspired to build one for their son. According to Apartment Thearpy the plans they used to make it and details on how they made the furniture are up on Tanya's blog, Shoot From the Hips, but when I go to her blog its an invite only blog, and says to contact the author for an invitation. Boo!

Tanya, can help out a modern mini addict, I would love to read your post, http://www.shootfromthehipsonline.com/2010/05/secret-project.html

Congrats, it is a gorgeous house, I know a lot of adults that would like to play there, too!

(news from Apartment Thereapy image from www.shootfromthehipsonline.com)

Mid-century Modern Dollhouse on ebay

Déjà vu. I was staring at this house on ebay trying to figure out why it looked so familiar. A little searching and oh yeah Mini Mod Pod! Recognize the bedroom? I love the interior walls; the bathroom is my favorite.

House comes unfurnished, but move in ready. If you live driving distance from Carmel, IN, I would definitely check out this pick up only mid century modern dollhouse. Having just built a house, I think the starting price of $335 is definitely worth it.

(all images from ebay listing ebay.com/itm/Mid-century-Modern-Modern-Dollhouse-/140685440460)

Update 1/27: now starting bid is $295 on new listing. It's still listed as pick up only, but if you are willing to pony up for shipping contact Mad for Mod on her blog and see more interior pictures here: https://minimodpod.blogspot.com/2012/01/for-sale-on-e-bay-spread-word.html. New ebay listing: ebay.com/itm/Mid-century-Modern-Modern-Dollhouse-/140689921076