PIF Gifts from Amalia

2011 is not yet over and one more parcel arrived containing beautiful miniatures.  Those of us who joined the PIF are supposed to send one hand made gift to five blogs who joined this program.
Amalia - http://maliminminiaturas.blogspot.com/ sent me, not one but a whole lot, as can be seen in these photos.  THANK YOU MALI !!! I love all and am very grateful.

I have been extremely lucky this month.  Received so many wonderful gifts and won two giveaways.
I have almost 20.000 visitors.  I visit your blogs and get so much pleasure just looking at your works.  I have learned so much.  I love your generosity in sharing your tutorials.  Only good things happen here so you really deserve a new giveaway draw from me.  I love making things for my friends and  shall soon let you know what it will be.

HAPPY NEW YEAR ! ! !

Christmas and Hanukkah Side by Side

I changed the shelve holding the Hanukkia (Menora).  I was not pleased with what was there before. Here is one last shot before I gave the boxes away.

Not a very good photo.  These Ikea picture frames are too heavy in relation to their size.  I am not sure I'll continue to use them.  Ikea once sold wooden boxes with a sliding glass front.  Those were very good for miniature scenes.  Now, much to my regret, they don't sell them here anymore.

I am very happy to welcome new followers

Elly - http://ellyinamsterdam.blogspot.com/
Sionchi - http://casitadesionchi.blogspot.com/
Keli - http://iseeblue.typad.com/
Neseli - http://neselioyuncaklar.blogspot.com/
Cristina Diego - http://constuirtucasamini.blogspot.com/

A warm hug to all of you and blessings

2011 International Christmas Swaps

I joined the 2011 International Christmas Swaps organized by Caterina - http://leminisdicockerina.blogspot.com/ 
I am absolutely delighted with the swap gifts received from Patrizia - http://www.lemagiedipatty.com/ who is so talented and her work is fantastic.

I pinned the tiles to a piece of foam, just to show how beautifully they are painted.  Thank you Patrizia for all these beautiful treasures!  Also thank you Caterina for organizing this program.

Here is a photo of the Christmas swap I sent Alicia - http://aliciaminiaturas.blogspot.com/

I look forward to more wonderful future swaps and am very happy with all my swaps this past year.

Blessings and Joyful Holidays to you all.

Santa keeps surprising me

A surprise parcel arrived yesterday.  It came all the way from Holland and was sent to me by a very dear friend, Gonda = http://gondasminiworld.blogspot.com/
This was totaly unexpected. Wow!!!  I am so delighted with all the new treasures, some of which made by Gonda herself, who is too modest to admit it and does not want rewards but I believe she is one of the most talented miniatures artists.  You just have to visit her blog and see her log cabin, to prove me right.

Tiny chicken just out of the eggs with pieces of egg shell still stuck to them.

Assorted cakes and a white porcelain plate.

A tiny Santa, perfectly made from fimo.

A precious wooden rocking horse, a lovely wreath a beautiful little box which can be opened, a beautiful carol singing doll, a little teddy bear , a candle holder, a wall brass candelabrum and the little fimo Santa.

I am astounded, emotionally moved to tears by this generous gesture.  And if all that was not enough, Gonda added DIY supplies.

Narrow trimings, ribbons and laces and white lacy curtain materials.  Also three pieces of cloth with Christmas motives.

A lovely card which I suspect is made by Gonda, some gourds and popsicle sticks.

THANK YOU GONDA !!!  I love everything and am very grateful.  I wish you and your family a marvellous Christmas, joy and good health.

I did not mean to post before the holidays were over, but I couldn't keep this surprise to myself. 
Blessing to all of you my dear followers!

Christmas Greetings

My previous post was too long so Blogger cut me up in the middle.

Here is a warm welcom to a new follower:

Vicky Lovejoy - http://lovejoybears.blogspot.com/

I wish all my followers and friends A MERRY CHRISTMAS, A HAPPY HANUKKAH AND A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2012 FILLED WITH JOY AND GOOD HEALTH!!!

Blessings

Hanukkah Box

Tonight we light the first candle of Hanukkah.  Actually there will be two candles, we light one and when it's lit, we use it to light the other. Each night of the 8 days of Hanukkah an additional candle is lit. All nine candles are lit on the 8th night.  In the old religious quarters of Jerusalem Menorahs are placed on window sills for walkersby to enjoy the sight.   Gifts for the children are part of this eight days festival of lights, a gift each night. It is customary to give children Hanukkah coins.  Nowadays children receive chocolate coins wrapped in golden foil. Songs are sung when the menorah is lit and games are played, especially with the dreidel.

Hanukkah celebrations include traditional food and activities rich with symbolic and historic meaning.

We eat traditional potatoe pancakes fried in hot oil.  Also big yeast- dough sweet puffed balls, fried in deep oil, sprinkled on with sugar powder and  red marmalade injected into them. Don't go near them if you watch your weight.


the Hanukkah Ikea box is completed.  On Saturday Tali will receive both boxes.  I am not very satisfied with this one so I haven't glued it shut yet.

And there is a warm welcome to one new follower - Vicky Lovejoy - http://lovejoybears.blogspot.com/

I wish you all A MERRY CHRISTMAS, A HAPPY HANUKKAH AND A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR, FILLED WITH JOY AND GOOD HEALTH!!!

I made the traditional puffs and  panckaes from Fimo.

The menorah with all nine candles.  The one in the middle, is the service candle.  It has to be higher then the rest.

Found these little dolls with hideous dresses on key rings.  Usually I don't use dolls in my scenes, only if they are special ones.  I made one a new dress.  She looks better now.

Also, knitted her a tiny tedy to hold.  Her first day gift.

I even made a tiny yellow dreidel.  It lies on the green wrapped box.

Another visit from Santa

This time all the way from Mexico via Beautiful Lady Flor - http://florff.blogspot.com/
bringing exquisite miniature gifts, hand crafted by Flor.  I hope the photos do them justice.

THANK YOU DEAR FLOR!!!  I love these treasures. The planter with the unbelievable tiny flowers is stunning and so is the mirror with its mosaic frame.  I took out the basket from the little shelve unit, just to show you what great work Flor did with the lining.  I'm also very grateful for the very tiny glass beads which cannot be found here.  I'll certainly use these for making some more jewelry.

Blessings to all

Santa came down my chimney

I caught Santa just as he came down the chimney with a sack loaded with gifts. Took photos for you to see.

Another IKEA picture box.  It is a small box, measures only 16x16 cms (6.5"x6.5") but my Santa too is short and plump.  I was very fortunate to find him here.  I built the fireplace and made the tree from a green bottle brush (No miniature trees to be found where I live).  The chimney is an empty tic-tac box covered with the same wallpaper as the walls. The Xmas cards and the wallpaper are printables from the net.  Santa is holding one of Maria's - Pretty Things Ireland - gifts.  On the left corner is Jennifer's - Plushpussycat - pine cones filled straw basket.  I used a cheap trinket frame to make the mirror. I hope you like this box.  It was fun to make.

Now I'll have time to make a little Hanukka scene in an identical IKEA box.  Both boxes will be my gifts to my beautiful grand daughter Tali.

I am delighted to have more new followers

Alicia - http://aliciaminiaturas.blogspot.com/
Stephy - http://miniaturedreamers.blogspot.com/  (No posts yet)
Caroline - Cindrellamoments & http://pourlieduns.blogspot.com
Asli - http://derintasarim.blogspot.com/
Sole - http://minis-sole.blogspot.com/

A very warm welcome to you.

I wish all my followers a very lovely weekend.

Another visit from Santa

I am starting to believe I'm Santa's favorite this year.  A surprise gift, from a very lovable lady, made all the way from Ireland to Israel and arrived safe and sound. It was completely unexpected, I am delighted and happy to receive these gifts.  Thank you Maria - http://prettythingsireland.blogspot.com/ for your wonderful and generous gesture.

Here are some very beautiful miniatures Maria made for me. A bed cover with matching cusions, Two lovely Xmas cushions, a stocking, a mirror, a very cute angel, a wreath and glass trinkets to decorate the tree. Two cloth baskets and a very cute little cloth tray.

A lovely Christmas Card with wonderful inscriptions.

The glass trinkets are adorable.  Maria made the little angel from beads.

THANK YOU MARIA!

Santa came early (2)

Blogger published my post before I even finished.  (I probably pushed the wrong key.)
The 3 beautiful hats are made by Jenny.  I intend to add flowers and ribbons to the the other hats,  and make them a special stall for my straw market.

Aren't these cute! I love the bear rug.  Attache cases, a mini stove (Magnet) a little grand piano, rocking chair, children' board, fireman helmet, trophy cup, little Xmas present, book... I am thrilled.

Two of Jennifer's so cute and precious cards which I treasure most, especially for the inscription inside.
I am happy to be your friend and I love you dearly. THANK YOU!

Santa arrived early

Jennifer - http://plushpussycat.blogspot.com/ sent me all these wonderful miniatures.  I am not sure the photos are good enough.  You be the judges.

These minis will be for the Gentleman's Study.

Beautiful beads - I am going to use them for many scenes.

Hats - will go to the straw market.  The two tiny baskets, one with little pines the other with tiny grapes are very delicate and beautiful. Jenny made the grapes. Maybe if you poke the picture you can see how lovely they are.

Sabiha's Giveaway

About a month ago I won Sabiha's, http://sabsminiinterios.blogspot.com/, giveaway. Today, coming back home after sending my own giveaway and a Christmas swap, I found, waiting for me a delightful surprise.  A parcel from Sabiha containing not only the prize but also a few very precious items.
There was no communication possible between Sabiha and myself.  We couldn't get through the email system.  Finally Sabiha got my address from a mutual friend and I got this precious prize as well as other very appreciated items.  THANK YOU SABIHA for these very sexy, very delicate and exquisitely made pieces of lingerie.

Also included, was a bag full of wooden coffee stirrers.  I was extremely happy to receive these.  I will certainly use them in the future.  It is impossible to get them here.

The beautiful little wooden clog will be added to my miniature collection. The lace trimming is also very welcome and I love the little gourds and the pines.  The little sea shells are lovely.  The shells here are not as white as these. Thank you Sabiha for all these extras.

It never ceases to delight and amaze me when more people find it interesting to follow my blog.  Thank you all. Here is a warm welcome to my new followers:

Alexander Razdolsky
Valentina
Vera Gade - http://vmfgade.blogspot.com/
Marivi - http://narvu-3.blogspot.com/
Fernanda Maria
Kristin - http://findingelisawms.blogspot.com/
Cris Cola - http://criscola.blogspot.com/
Marycminis
Doortje - http://doortgesminis.blogspot.com/
Domestic Diva

Blessings

My giveaway has a winner

Today, exactly a year ago I started this blog.  Little did I guess there would be 281 followers. I gained so many online friends and I really am blessed.

Wow! Finally there is a winner.  There were 84 participants and the random nominator picked up number 8! Congratulations Paky.  please email me your address so I can send you your prize.

This was very exciting, especially the last few days.  I wish I could give each one of you a prize, you  deserve it.  I promise another giveaway in the near future.  Here is the full list of participants in, more or less, the order of your comments.

1. Fabiola                                                            
                                                                         
2. Amary
3. The Old Maid
4. Peggy
5. Patty
6. Flor
7. Rosamargarita
8. Paky
9. Carmen (mi pequena evasion)
10. Teruka
11. Nina
12. Mely
13. Maribel
14. Naran
15. Jennifer
16. Eloisa
17. Valeria
18. Heleni
19. Isabel
20. Kez
21. Cris Bottaro
22. Carmen Casanova
23. Malu 2
24. Eliana
25. Ana
26. Ascencion
27. Patrizia
28. Ultsu
29. May (Anisflora)
30. Rosella
31. Carla Alessandra
32. Sjoukje
33. Morgana 135
34. Carmen Hadanet
35. Julia
36. Jorgelina
37. Neomi
38. Eva (Casitas de regaliz)
39. Irina
40. Sans
41. Marver
42. Mona
43. Maru
44. Domestic Diva
45. Beis
46. Lilybets
47. Carmen (lo que quiero contaros)
48. Lataina
49. Marieke
50. Cote
51. Natalia Hernandez
52. Mercedes
53. Eva Perendreu
54. Maria (Diary of a miniturist)
55. Fernando (Cunha)
56. Angeles
57. Antonia (miniscositas)
58. Maite
59. Hankhara
60. Indy Poppy
61. Rosa (Yayin)
62. Pat
63. Lara
64. Cris Cola
65. Ivana
66. Pepi Hellin
67. Karin (Craftland)
68. Tuikku
69. Munir
70. Audra
71. Monika
72. Mary (M's minis & more)
73. Montse
74. Kaisa
75. Yolita
76. Pretty Made
77. Maria (Pretty things Ireland)
78. Lotte
79. El bichillo
80. Valentina
81. Trini
82. Marycminis
83. Vera Gade
84. Katrina

Blessings

Pre-list of participants in my giveaway draw

A cute photo of what courage is about

I have here a pre list of participants for my giveaway draw.  There is still time for more to participate. Just  put a comment on that post to be counted in.  Please check up the list to see if I missed anyone and make sure you follow this blog.

A random numerator will be used  to pick-up the winner.

A very warm welcom to my new followers (Suddenly there are 275!) I am very happy you joined in.


Ciac - http://englishmanordollhouse.blogspot.com/
Yolita - http://yolitasamano.blogspot.com/
Andy - http://dollshouseandminiatures.blogspot.com/
Anna -http://shneewalski.blogspot.com/

Nelsi - http://nelsidesign.blogspot.com/
Michelle - Cannot find your blog to follow.

There is one new follower, you are most welcome, but I cannot make out your name. It is written in Cyrillic Letters which I do not read.

Blessings to all

A small box decorated with sea shells tutorial

We are having 3 very rainy days here which are very welcome.  Our dry country needs  many days like these.  Staying inside was very productive for me.  I experimented with my sea shells and will show you with photos how to make decorated jewelry or sewing boxes.

I bought the little wooden discs with the intention of making baskets from Casey's tutorials but they
also work for making boxes.  You can make them any form you wish, oval, square, etc. You just cut
a strip of card stock the width and length you want, form a ring to fit the disc and glue it to the disc. After the it's dry, you glue on the shells.  I  cut pieces of felt and glued them to the inside of the box.
I rather like the results but will make more experiments. I'd love to hear from you if you have other ideas for the little shells.

A very warm welcome to my new followers

Nicole - http://bluesuopminiatures.blogspot.com/
Tuikku - http://minitarinat.blogspot.com/
Julie - http://juliesdollhouse.blogspot.com/
Nancy - http://boomerartes.blogspot.com/
Cabezuela - Cannot locate your blog to follow.

You are invited to participate in my giveaway draw.  If follower has difficulties commenting on that post, please send me an email and you will be counted in.

IKEA box small project

This was a quick project.  I used an IKEA 16cmx16cm shallow box. I took the inside part out to allow for a little more depth and used false coreboard floor and ceiling to keep the glass in place. I had to make a new back from plywood.

The wallpaper and floor are printables from the net.

The clock on the wall and the candleholder with the candle are a gift from Olga - http://elpetitmondelalluna.blogspot.com/.  The raised plate is a gift from Cristina - http://criscolas.blogspot.com/, I just made a leg from beads to lift up the beautiful plate.  The wall lamps (There are two, one on the wall opposite the clock) are a gift from Gonda - http://gondasminiworld.blogspot.com/.  The picture is an original, painted and framed by a very talented friend, Hannah. 
I made the chair and the jewel box.

I hope you like it.

As always, I am happy to welcome new followers

Ultsu - http://www.miniatureandcraft.com/blog.
Cunha - http://cunha-casadebonecasminhas.blogspot.com/
Lilybets - http://nelboscodililybets.blogspot.com/
Susan - http://minicrochetmad.blogspot.com/
Cote - Cannot find blog to follow.
Aliana - Cannot find blog to follow.
Hankhara - http://hankhara.blogspot.com/
Mercedes.
Indy Poppy - http://tailsofadventurewithindyandpoppy.blogspot.com/
Monica - http://minilusion.blogspot.com/
Wilga - http://mydollhouseminiatures.blogspot.com/






Blessings to you all.

First year anniversary giveaway

27th November is the day of my blog's first year anniversary.

I am so grateful to you, my followers, for accepting my friendship and giving back so much more. You left wonderful encouraging comments on my posts, you  were ready to take the chance of swapping with me, you made wonderful unconditional kind gestures which left me speechless with pleasant surprise, you gaveaway the most beautiful gifts (some of which I was lucky to win) and above all, for the pleasure I get visiting your blogs reading your posts and being impressed with so much talent and creativity.

These toys are my giveaway.  The little doll is from Russia and the little pony is a rubber eraser, the rest are mostly made of wood and my hand work.    The draw will be on 27th November.

You are invited to participate, new followers too. If you are interested, just be a follower of this blog and leave a comment on this post.  You don't have to put a link on your blog, but if you do, I'll add another toy to the parcel.  I hope the winner gets the parcel before Christmas.  I wish you all good luck.

I'd like to extend a warm welcome to two new followers

Rosa  -  http://elrincondelavencinita.blogspot.com/
Fernando - http://fernando-miniaturas.blogspot.com/

A warm hug to all of you.