More gifts from France.

Some time ago I received a little parcel from Jonquil in France which contained these wonderfully crafted items

 

 

 

These beautifully detailed items are destined for an "upstairs" room in Netherton.

 

A couple of weeks ago I received another little package from Jonquil, this time for a "downstairs" room.

 

What do you think of these?    Aren't they marvellous?   Just look at the fine stitching on this little mob cap -

 



 

 

 

Not only did I receive the mob cap, but I am also the very proud owner of this beautiful gown -

 

 

Just look at all that fine detail -

 

 

These pearl buttons down the back are such a lovely touch

 

 

and here they are again on the cuffs.

 

 

I can't thank you enough Jonquil, they really are wonderful items and I'm honoured that you took the time to create them for me, especially when I know you are busy, busy in real life.

 

I have recently completed a servant's room in another property and was very tempted to put these items in that particular room but Netherton is such a grand property, only grand items (such as these) will do - even if they are for servants.   They will be servants of quality!

 

Thank you so much Jonquil, they are very much appreciated.    Irene x

 

 

*I hope you received my email, Jonquil.   If not, please let me know.   

 

 

 

 

The Dairy is done and dusted!

After much fiddling and faffing in this small space, I finally managed to put a front on the Dairy.   This was made of foamboard with wooden panels attached.     I'm pleased with the way it eventually turned out and even more pleased with the "chicken wire" at the windows.   That was just net sprayed silver and it worked really well.

 

 

 

A little shelf was added using cornice offcut and the hyacinth was pinched from another property to add a bit of life until a decision is made on something more permanent.   A light has still to be added, probably outside, and because it wont be possible to wire it in, I'll be giving the battery version a try for the first time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using my newly acquired whittling skills I created a milkmaid's yoke to add a bit more interest.   Luckily I found a RL one online complete with sizes  which made making one a whole lot easier.

 

 

I surprised myself with this little addition as, until I spotted the inspiration photo, a Dairy hadn't even been considered and best of all - it didn't cost me anything as all the bits were in the stash.   You can't get better than that!

 

 







Three cows' legs

Following on from my last post I can hear you all saying "what on earth would Irene want with three cows' legs?"

Well, this is why - *

 

I decided Netherton needed a dairy and while this property is more town house than country house, I had the perfect space under the "area" and opposite the privy.  

The tiles were taken from the inspiration photograph (Ham House) and I've used, but not directly copied, the general idea given that I don't have much space to play with.   

Fortunately I had quite a few bits that were suitable for inclusion and as it's a bit tricky to photograph them in situ, I've detailed them below as once the front and door are added it'll be tricky to see all that's there.

There is still some finishing off to be done (bits that have been highlighted by the photos!) and the front has to be added.   It's also not possible to light this space using electrics so I may use one of the new battery operated lights here - I'm thinking about that at the moment although I might just leave it the way it is.

* ©National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel   Reproduced with the kind permission of the National Trust (www.nationaltrust.org.uk)  

Just Whittlin'

I have been a really bad blogger of late.   Whilst I've been reading all the blogs I follow, I haven't been posting.   I think the oomph went again but I've been keeping up to date with all your wonderful work and I don't think I'm even going to try to catch up with comments - I'm so far behind, suffice to say, I'm back and enjoying all your splendid progress.

 

I have been doing some mini work but it's been in a sort of half-hearted fashion - a wee bit here and a wee bit there but nothing has grabbed my attention recently.    That was until the middle of last week.   I was looking through a National Trust book on conservation and which had some lovely pictures of the interiors of some properties - upstairs and downstairs.  

 

I wont say yet what it was that caught my attention to the point where I thought it could make a great mini scene - suffice to say the spark was ignited!

 

While the other half has been watching tennis (me, I'd sooner watch paint dry!) I've been up in my little hobby room whittling away.    I've never whittled before and I must say, it's quite an enjoyable pastime.

 

In case it's not patently obvious, I've created three cows' legs.   I may only need two but you never know when you might need a third cow's leg as back up!

 

 

 

I was motivated to create these legs myself by the exceptionally clever wood workers in blogland.   Without their inspiration, I'd probably have bought two plastic cows and cut their legs off so thank you for sharing your skills - I would never have done this otherwise..

Thank you Jeffry

 

I was lucky enough to win Jeffry's giveaway and it arrived safely the other day.

 

 

It measures approximately 1 1/2" high (4cms) and is just beautiful.   In fact my photos don't do this lovely little piece justice.   The detail is incredible.

 

 

I'm not normally a winner of things so this was a lovely surprise and I'll be sure to find it a special place in Netherton.

 

Thank you Jeffry!



.........and the Winner is....................................

I decided to use a Random Number Generator for this giveaway.   A bit of a first for me.    The numbers are slightly reduced to that shown on the blog as one or two comments showed up more than once.

Given my limited computer skills when it comes to doing anything fancy, I ended up with a cut and paste exercise to show the winner!

 

As you can see, the winner is..............ANDY!

 

Congratulations Andy.   Please let me have your details and I'll get the gifts in the post to you on Monday. 

Thank you all for participating.

Edinburgh Emporium - a Giveaway

I've really been amazed and thrilled by the enthusiasm of you all for my little Emporium!  I have to say that while I was pleased with it, I was concerned that it might be just a bit too twee and parochial.

I have so enjoyed reading all your lovely comments that I would like to say "thank you" by way of a giveaway.

 

So...........the giveaway consists of a RL spurtle, a box of Edinburgh Rock and a mini spurtle for your mini kitchen.

 

 

All you have to do is be an existing follower and leave a comment.   The draw will take place on Friday, 10th May 2013.

 

Good luck everyone!