Average is Beautiful!

Last summer artist and researcher, Nickolay Lamm was all over the news with his "Normal Barbie" showing what fashion dolls would look like if they were made using standard human body proportions. The news coverage received tons of public interest, yet no interest from top toy company manufacturers. With so much support and interest in where to buy a normal doll like this, Nickolay started a campaign to manufacture the doll himself. So far it has received $401,557 from 11,320 backers, way over the original goal of $95,000 with 23 days left.

"Lammily, Average is Beautiful" The Lammily dolls were designed using the measurements of the average 19 year old American girl. The dolls have articulated wrists, knees, elbows, and feet so they can be more realistic and active. They also wear minimal make up. "Rather than waiting for toy companies to change their designs, let's change them ourselves by creating a fashion doll that promotes realistic beauty standards." Thank you Nickolay. I pre-ordered one of these dolls for my kids and I hope the success might lead doll manufactures to change their tune and start making more realistic fashion dolls.

Learn more about Lammily and Nickolay's work at www.lammily.com/average-is-beautiful

The Traveling Dollhouse of Sisterhood

The Emerson finally makes it's debut. It has been broken in by Modern MC, minimodernistas, my kids, and now it feels properly dressed again. Please click on the pictures to see the larger versions.



The house is 3/4" scale (1:16) but works fairly well with my 1:12 furniture although a 1:12 scale kitchen doesn't work. Pictured next to the fireplace is a vintage 1:18 Lundby kitchen that is a bit too small, but 1:12 kitchens look completely out of place.

One of the perks of building minimodernistas website is the hookups, the other is a great friend. Doris gave me the dollhouse, kitchen and chrome side table awhile back, and on my last visit she gave me several new pieces featured in this house.


All the rugs throughout the house are minimodernistas (new ones will be added to her website soon), plus the Tufted Sofa, V-Leg Day Bed Sofa, Platform Chair and Ottoman, pillows, and 1:18 scale 3 Spheres hanging Lamp. The credenza, coffe table and mirror are by Pepper, MitchyMooMiniatures. The upstairs sofa, chair and pillows are Maryann Roy Welcome Home. Accessories are from mini2B, PRD Miniatures and Kaleidoscope Dollhouse Accessories. The potted orchid is Minisde cris. Square art accessories are by me and will be up in my shop soon.



The dinning table and chairs, table runner and patio furniture are MiniModels. Credenza is minisX2. The grey vases are my Cityscape Vase collection. Accessories are from Neen, Anna-Marie and mini2B. Rugs by minimodernistas.


Framed komonos artwork (coming to her website soon), pillows and rug are by minimodernistas. Dresser, perfume bottles, screen, bed, night stand, lamp and chairs are Maryann Roy Welcome Home. Cubed side table is by me, other decor by PRD Miniatures.

The tub, sink, mirror, and plant are Studio7. Toilet and bath faucet is from minismodernas. Shelf and rug are from ebay.

I love the mid century modern style of The Emerson dollhouse, but photographing it is quite difficult. I have yet to figure out how to shoot through the plastic windows without getting glare and my reflection in the shot. The other problem is what's behind the glass. As you can see right through it, my carpet, closet doors, and anything else in the way make a less than attractive background. If you had your heart set one on of these, it looks like The Emerson and the second version The Edward (darker wood, no electrical) are no longer for sale on Brinca Dada. In fact The Bennet is gone too; so search online if you wanted to buy one as it looks like they are being discontinued by Brina Dada. Below are some more interior and exterior shots of The Emerson.


So, I've had this house for almost two years; the kids have played with it but it was mostly collecting dust. Last weekend I realized I was not going to be able to finish building the kit I wanted to use for the Undersized Urbanite 2014 contest, when a lightbulb went off that I should just use this perfectly good house that I have yet to touch. After digging through my minis to find the best of my mid century modern pieces, I spent several days decorating and figuring out what works where. Setting up the lights and photography took another two days, then blogging about it took a few more. Now I just have to narrow down which photos to submit to the contest.

If you haven't heard of the Undersized Urbanite dollhouse contest it's a fun contest with prizes open to experienced and new miniaturists.

"Any complete space that is designed in miniature, whether it is a single room, a garden, a park, a loft made from a shoebox or a completed official three-story wooden dollhouse. Start with an empty space on September 30, 2013 and finish it however your heart desires by May 5th, 2014." Check out all of the details at www.undersizedurbanite.com.

The Citadel by Lolly's is on ebay!

I was super excited to see The Citadel by Lolly's on ebay, but the lead image is the original that I believe is still on the shelves at Lolly's Shop in Elgin, Illinois. I hope to make a trip to Lolly's Shop to find out when I'm in town for Chicago International (who else is going, wanna meet up?). The Citadel for sale on ebay is the pre-built shell. And is listed with a starting bid of $1,500!?!? The last one I saw on ebay was used and didn't sell at $750 but accepted a $400 offer, pick up only. This one includes shipping.

Here are the details from the ebay listing:
"The Citadel by Lolly's -- pre-built shell -- measures approx. 20 1/2" D, 30 1/2" W, and 34 1/2" H. Instructions are included giving directions for completion as well as the "Deed" filled out by Lolly's certifying this is not a spin off. If you google Lolly's Citadel you will be able to see completed as well as semi-completed houses. I am not aware if they are still being made - if so in very limited numbers. I bought it a couple of years ago with intentions on completing it but due to health reasons it is still in the as new condition that I received it in."

http://www.ebay.com/itm/THE-CITADEL-by-LOLLYS-/271415869578

3/8/14 update: it didn't sell, but is re-listed at $1,499. http://www.ebay.com/itm/THE-CITADEL-by-LOLLYS-/271419970430?

NEW PRD Miniatures on eBay!

Ohmygawd Ohmygawd Ohmygawd! Did you see the new PRD Miniatures chairs and table on ebay!?!? Gorgeous!!! The table, set of six chairs and lemon filled modern vase are included in the auction. Check out the listing on ebay here http://www.ebay.com/itm/PRD-Miniatures-Modern-dollhouse-dining-table-and-Wishbone-chair-set-1-12-scale-/151239679822

Rémi Noël makes me smile

Sometimes wandering the web takes you to fun places. Parisian photographer Rémi Noël has an interesting take on Americana that makes me smile. You can check out his work at www.reminoel.com.

"As a photographer, he tries to tell brief stories captured at a glance. He quickly left Parisian interiors behind to embark on annual ten-day expeditions to the American West, where - in black and white – he explores the archetypes of American mythology: motels and their neon signs, desert expanses and the highways that crisscross them." - Raphaëlle Stopin

(all photos from www.reminoel.com)