Treasures from the Sea of Galilee

Year after year of very small quantities of rain, made our only lake in Israel, the Sea of Galilee, recede its level, leaving a larger shore.  On our weekend vacation to Tiberias, a town by the lake, I collected a box full of shells just lying there waiting to picked up.  In my ignorance I never knew lakes too had shells.  I thought these were salt sea water creatures.  I think these are small enough to be used in miniature scenes.  In fact, I am going to add a few in each swap I'll make in the future. They are quite beautiful.

A few more goods for the straw market

The cart was super easy to make. I used the lower part of a little wooden box, added two round circles of wood for wheels (stuck a little bead in the middle of each circle to make it look like a wheel). I cut one long  l/4"square wooden pole and made the frame. I painted all over with acrylic paint and that's it.

I made all the bags and hats from raffia.
I am taking time out from making more staff now. I have one more swap coming up and have to work at it.

And now is the time to welcome newcomers to my blog:
Maria Jose (Mariviago)
Ani (La inspiracion)
Islabcn (Mi mini rincon)
A, Wright (Every litle thing akw)
M Carmen Casanov (Mini shabby)
Maribel (Mcrupe)
Pepita (Can't find your blog)
Pilar (Las minis de Pilar)
Isabel (Miniaturas Isa morgana 135)
Juliana (Lasminisdelbosque)
Marta (Auros)
Hope I wrote all your names right. I visited all blogs of my followers and signed in. Let me tell you. You do fantastic things which leave me full of admiration. I am more than grateful for the chance to welcome you.
Hugs, Drora

swaps

I am speechless.  Have no words to describe the beauty of these miniatures made by Siete of Munecas y Miniaturas Siete.  This is my first swap ever and I never dreamed I'd be so fortunate.  Mil gracias darling Siete.

I told Siete I loved tiny babies and baby animals and this is what she did for me.  Miniatures for a baby's room, including the baby, a beautifully painted toy wooden toy box, two lovely unbelievable tiny dollhouse dolls, a dwarf sitting under a mushroom in a tiny dome, a snowman with hat and shawl, a miniscule duck , a tiny frog, a tortoise, a fish, baby bottle and pacifiers, a beautiful parrot, and to top it all a miniscule baby and pacifier inside a beautiful box.  Siete has magical fingers.

The pictures do not do enough justice to these lovely miniatures.  Am I not lucky?

Happy Valentine's Day

I wish everybody a sweet and happy Valentine's day

More goods for the straw market

One stall is more or less ready .  I have to make several more.  All will be displayed inside an Ikea conservatory.
I didn't make these baskets. I bought them at a craft fair a long time ago, before I started miniaturing, and hung them in my kitchen like you do with braided garlic or onions.  They were very decorative.  I always had my eyes open for miniatures. I am not so happy with the color of the stall but maybe with the other stalls and other colors it will be alright. 

Preparing goods for the straw market

First of all, a warm welcome to my new friends:  Si, Ayamontinomaria, Araceli Lombilla Reyes, Marie 75, Artisluna.  I could not find blogs of some of my followers. When I do I sign in as a follower and enjoy seeing your work.

I have been working making straw items for a straw market and there is still a lot more to do.  I'll show you what I've accomplished.

There are also purchased straw and wicker minis.

I want to try making bird cages like the one in the photo.  Some of these items are made from tutorials in your blogs and I for which I am truly grateful.